Federal Court Halts New York Bottle Bill Implementation in Response to Concerns

NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York issued a preliminary injunction delaying
both implementation of the Returnable Container Act ("Bottle Bill") and a
requirement for New York-exclusive UPC Code labeling, pending further review
to decide on the constitutionality of the law.

Nestle Waters North America CEO Kim Jeffery issued the following statement
supporting the decision:

"Nestle Waters strongly supports laws that advance convenient recycling
programs and protect the environment. The best laws encourage comprehensive
recycling, promote consumer health, and apply to all beverages. The New York
Bottle Bill fails to accomplish these goals and actually hurts community-based
recycling. It is also unconstitutional and leaves New York without a viable
and effective program.

"Today, the court recognized the constitutional and due process problems
created by the Bottle Bill. Beyond that, it will be up to the State
Legislature and the Governor to address the environmental weaknesses of the
new law, unnecessary costs, and the inexplicable exemption of sugared
beverages. It's time for New York to focus on the future, recycle their
outdated bottle scheme, and put the nickels to work for a cleaner and
healthier New York."

SOURCE Nestle Waters North America

Jane Lazgin of Nestle Waters North America, +1-203-863-0111