Background on Nestlé and Perrier
Nestlé, a Swiss conglomerate, has faced scrutiny over its Perrier and other brands due to the European Union’s strict regulations on allowable treatments for bottled water marketed as “natural mineral water.” Nestlé acquired Perrier in the early 1990s, but in late 2020, the company’s new leadership discovered unauthorized treatment methods being used at Perrier, Hépar, and Contrex sites.
Senatorial Investigation and Findings
A six-month investigation by the French Senate concluded that the French government, “at the highest level,” concealed a scandal regarding Nestlé’s water treatment practices. The report highlights both Nestlé’s lack of transparency and the government’s failure to be transparent with local, European authorities, and the French public.
The investigation points to a deliberate strategy of concealment discussed during a “first interministerial meeting” on October 14, 2021. Nestlé sought government assistance and presented a plan to address the issue in mid-2021, eventually involving the French presidency.
Eighteen months later, authorities approved a transformation plan for Nestlé’s facilities to replace the banned treatments (UV and activated carbon) with fine microfiltration. However, this method could potentially strip mineral water of its characteristics, contrary to European legislation for natural mineral water.
Despite the consumer fraud implications of treating the water, authorities have not taken legal action in response to 2021 revelations, according to the report.
The highest levels of the French state authorized microfiltration below the 0.8-micron threshold, as per the Senate’s findings.
The parliamentary commission stated that President Emmanuel Macron’s office was aware, at least since 2022, that Nestlé had been misleading for years.
Alexis Kohler, then Secretary-General of the Presidency, met with Nestlé executives.
Nestlé’s Admission and Penalties
In 2024, Nestlé Waters admitted to using banned filters and ultraviolet treatment on mineral waters. The company paid a €2 million fine to avoid legal action.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Nestlé? A Swiss conglomerate that acquired the Perrier brand in the early 1990s.
- What is the controversy? Nestlé used unauthorized treatment methods for its mineral water brands, including Perrier.
- What did the French government do? The French government, at the highest levels, allegedly concealed this scandal and failed to be transparent with authorities and the public.
- What was the Senate’s investigation outcome? The French Senate concluded that the government concealed a scandal regarding Nestlé’s water treatment practices and failed to take legal action against the company.
- What penalties did Nestlé face? Nestlé Waters admitted to using banned filters and ultraviolet treatment on mineral waters, resulting in a €2 million fine.
