French Senate Inquiry Exposes Nestlé’s Illegal Water Treatment Practices
A recent Senate inquiry has unveiled alarming findings regarding the illegal treatment of mineral water by food giant Nestlé, famed for its Perrier brand. The report highlights the company’s prolonged use of prohibited treatments designed to prevent bacterial and chemical contamination in water marketed as "natural mineral water" or "spring water," affecting other brands like Contrex, Vittel, and Hépar.
The commission accused both Nestlé and the French government of a “lack of transparency,” emphasizing that officials concealed illegal practices that violate French and European regulations. The inquiry began following media reports about the banned treatments last year, which led to scrutiny of Nestlé’s operations.
According to the report, there has been a deliberate strategy of concealment since at least October 2021, when government meetings first addressed the issue. In response to growing concerns, the authorities eventually agreed to allow Nestlé to replace the banned treatments with microfiltering. Nestlé acknowledged its use of these treatments and agreed to a €2 million fine to avoid legal repercussions.
The inquiry involved over 120 interviews, including with Nestlé’s CEO, and concluded that the French presidency had been aware of Nestlé’s misconduct since 2022. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s claims of ignorance regarding the issue, the report outlines a scandal that has potentially cost consumers over €3 billion due to misleading practices.
While Laurent Burgoa, the commission president, noted that there has been no verified harm to consumers, concerns remain about the integrity of the natural mineral water market, which can be sold at prices 100 to 400 times higher than tap water. As the investigation continues, demands for accountability from both the government and Nestlé are intensifying.
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