In the dispute concerning allegedly illegally utilized mineral water, the investigating committee accused the French government of ‘teaching the case’. "The state has not shown transparency in relations with local and European authorities, but besides in relations with the population", says a study by the legislature Committee of enquiry published in Paris on Monday. It was a "conscious strategy".
The reason was the allegations that the company Nestlé Waters illegally cleaned mineral water and sold it as natural mineral water. Under EU legislation, natural mineral water cannot be treated at all.
Government allows cleaning
"Although water disinfection was a fraud against consumers, it had no legal implications," the Senators' study stated. According to Nestlé Waters, in late 2020 the company's board learned that mineral water from respective sources is purified by UV rays and carbon filters.
Then the company contacted the government. The authorities later allowed the company to clean water with microfilters, which, according to critics, is besides contrary to European law.
Following a senatorial report, Nestlé Waters besides prevented the inclusion in the study of a regional wellness care body of lists of bacteria and plant toxins discovered in water from Perrier sources.
Preliminary investigations since February
Foodwatch accuses the French government of “hiding a massive fraud”. Like she said, Ingrid Kragl This enabled Nestlé Waters to proceed selling its fake products.
In 2024, Foodwatch filed a suit against 2 mineral water producers: Nestlé Waters with Perrier and Vittel brands and Sources Alma, a French marketplace leader with brands specified as Cristaline and St-Yorre. French justice has been conducting a preliminary investigation since February.
The first case where Nestlé admitted illegal disinfection of mineral water was dropped in February in exchange for a fine of EUR 2 million. Foodwatch later accused Nestlé of attempting to sweep the case under the carpet.
The erstwhile committee of enquiry stated in 2022 that illegal treatment of spring water is common. However, the study was not published. In 2023, the French government discreetly amended the regulations and allowed microfilters to be used.
