Government Investigation into Nestlé’s Mineral Water Practices

A recent Senate inquiry has revealed that the French government allegedly obscured a scandal involving Nestlé’s handling of its mineral water brands, including the well-known Perrier brand. This investigation highlights significant concerns regarding the company’s adherence to EU regulations that impose strict limits on how natural mineral water may be treated.

The Senate report emphasizes a troubling lack of transparency from both Nestlé Waters and the government, affecting local and European oversight. This follows a thorough six-month investigation, which included over 70 hearings.

The report outlines that this cover-up resembles a calculated strategy that was discussed during an interministerial meeting on natural minerals in October 2021. Yet, nearly four years later, transparency still seems elusive.

Perrier, a globally recognized mineral water traditionally enjoyed with lemon slices and ice, was acquired by Nestlé in the early 1990s. It is sourced from the south of France.

In late 2020, new leadership at Nestlé Waters purportedly uncovered the use of unauthorized treatments on Perrier and other brands. By mid-2021, the company engaged with the government to obtain support in addressing the issue, which involved working closely with the Elysee Palace.

After 18 months, authorities eventually sanctioned a plan to substitute prohibited UV treatments and activated carbon filters with a microfiltration system. This new method is intended to eliminate iron or manganese but requires producers to prove that the water’s intrinsic qualities remain unchanged.

European legislation strictly prohibits the sterilization or treatment of natural minerals in ways that alter their properties. The report mentions that despite the evident consumer deception—particularly concerning water disinfection—no legal measures have been enacted following 2021’s revelations.

“Decisions were made at the highest national level to approve microfiltration that falls below the 0.8-micron threshold,” the report asserts, correlating with actions taken by government officials, including those in the office of then Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne.

The committee further accused President Emmanuel Macron of being aware of Nestlé’s ongoing misconduct, allegedly since 2022. Alexis Kohler, the then-executive director of the Elysee, met with Nestlé’s executives regarding these matters.

By 2024, Nestlé Waters acknowledged the use of banned filters and UV treatments and subsequently paid a fine of €2 million (approximately $2.2 million) to sidestep legal ramifications associated with these violations. At the time, the government had approved the replacement filters, asserting that the water was “pure.”