Korean retailers halt Perrier sales over hygiene concerns

The use of a banned treatment method by parent company Nestle Waters sparked international concerns that affected the local distribution of the beverage.

Perrier is a French brand of natural bottled mineral water. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

Korea's major retailers, hotel chains and coffee purveyors like Starbucks have suspended the sale of Perrier-branded sparkling water products over a banned treatment process.

Starbucks Korea said it has ceased Perrier sales from Feb. 1 in light of "quality management issues raised by the overseas manufacturer" of the Perrier brand.

"Currently, we are undergoing revalidation of our stocked products, and sales will remain suspended until safety is ensured 100 percent," confirmed a Starbucks Korea official. "The decision was made proactively [after discussions] with our contractor."

The decision follows the discovery that a banned treatment method was used in Perrier's production last month. Foreign media outlets reported that Nestle Waters, the manufacturer of Perrier, treated water for several of its major brands with ultraviolet light and active carbon filters — a purification process supposed to be used only on tap water — in contravention of French regulations.

Subsequent to Starbucks Korea's move, major Korean supermarkets and convenience store chains have pulled Perrier off their shelves.

Emart, Lotte Mart and Homeplus have all halted sales as of Tuesday and are recalling all Perrier products on-site.

Convenience store chains GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven have also discontinued Perrier sales.

"In response to escalating concerns among customers, we decided to suspend orders for Perrier products from Tuesday as for the time being," an official from a convenience store chain said.

The hospitality industry also saw the sale of Perrier products cease, with Josun Hotels & Resorts and The Shilla Hotels & Resorts pulling the beverage.

Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, however, said that they are not currently considering specific measures to restrict Perrier sales.

"We are collecting comprehensive information regarding health risks," a food safety ministry official told the Korea JoongAng Daily on Wednesday.

The official added, however, "The issue pertains to Perrier’s manufacturing method violating the EU's directive, and it has not yet been confirmed to violate safety standards. Moreover, it is a past issue that has only recently been brought to light by the media."

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]