Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has conducted a massive test on 40 samples of bottled water and found that Perrier, a water product of Nestle which is used as a complimentary drink by some star-rated hotels to their clients, contains a high level of nitrite.

It is learned that Perrier water sample contained nitrite at a concentration of 0.4 mg/L, which was in excess of the limit (0.1 mg/L) set in the Codex Standard for Natural Mineral Waters.

Nestle is reported to expressed its surprise over the test results. According to Chinese media, in response to the test results, Nestle China announced that the tests conducted by both the French state laboratory and certified laboratories show that the nitrate content in Perrier conform with the relevant standards.

Nitrite, which is also called “Industrial Salt”, may cause poisoning or even death with a an intake of 0.3-0.5grams. According to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, the acceptable daily intake of nitrite is 0 – 0.07 mg per kilogram body weight.

In addition, the Consumer Council identified bacteria in eight natural mineral water samples, including the well-known brand Evian from France.