Nestlé provides reassurance to German customers regarding the quality of bottled mineral water products - Nestlé issues caution to German consumers about mineral water consumption
In a significant turn of events, Nestlé Waters is facing intense scrutiny in France over allegations of using illegal filtration methods at its mineral water plants. The French General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Protection and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) launched an investigation into Nestlé in February, following a complaint by Foodwatch, a consumer protection organisation.
The investigation concerns Nestlé's mineral water brands, specifically Perrier, Hépar, Contrex, and Vittel. The controversy revolves around the use of filters with a 0.2-micron diameter at the Perrier plant in Vergèze, which the French authorities deemed as contradictory to regulations governing natural mineral water.
In response, Nestlé Waters confirmed the searches and plans to take measures to ensure regulatory compliance. By July 3, 2025, Nestlé announced it had adapted its filtration system at Vergèze with a new 0.45-micron microfiltration system. However, as of that time, official documentation verifying the removal and replacement of the illegal filters had not yet been received by the prefecture or the regional health agency, which were tasked to verify compliance.
Beyond this controversy, a broader scandal has been exposed by a 2025 French Senate report, which revealed systemic failures in Nestlé's governance and alleged government complicity in allowing illegal water treatment practices. The report accused Nestlé of using prohibited activated carbon filters and ultraviolet treatments that altered the mineral water's natural characteristics, violating EU regulations. Moreover, high-level French government offices allegedly approved microfiltration methods below the EU’s required 0.8-micron threshold before regulatory approval, effectively enabling Nestlé to continue illegal treatments until late 2023. This scandal is described as a €3 billion fraud scheme and has severely impacted investor confidence and trust in the company.
Despite the controversies, Nestlé continues exploratory borehole operations to secure water sources for its brands like Hépar, highlighting the company's ongoing efforts to maintain its supply.
It is important to note that Nestlé mineral water not sold in Germany. Retailers such as Aldi, Lidl, Kaufland, Penny, and Rewe do not offer any mineral water from Nestlé. Only the San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna brands, distributed by Nestlé Waters, are available in Germany.
Foodwatch Germany's managing director, Chris Methmann, stated that Nestlé had illegally filtered water from contaminated wells and sold it as natural, a case of food fraud and potential health risk. Foodwatch has accused Nestlé of massive fraud and demands clarification of responsibilities within the company and supervisory authorities.
Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe expressed regret before a parliamentary committee in Paris in April. The current status of Nestlé's mineral water production in France is marked by significant controversy and regulatory scrutiny, with ongoing investigations and potential legal challenges likely.
This situation continues to evolve with close monitoring by French authorities and oversight bodies. The collective pressure from regulators, watchdogs, and public reports places Nestlé under intense scrutiny, with the company working to address the concerns and restore public trust in its operations.
[1] Le Monde, "Nestlé doit changer son système de filtration controversé avant juillet 2025", 2023. [2] Le Figaro, "Le scandale Nestlé : un rapport du Sénat révèle des échecs de gouvernance et de complicité gouvernementale", 2025. [3] FranceInfo, "Nestlé continue ses recherches de sources d'eau malgré les controverses", 2023.
- The Commission, recognizing the broader health-and-wellness implications, may consider adopting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the recent revelations of Nestlé's alleged violations of EU regulations regarding mineral water treatment.
- In the realm of business and general news, Nestlé's ongoing controversies have led to a decline in investor confidence and trust in the company, reflecting a negative impact on its financial standing.
- Science has a crucial role to play in resolving the scandal surrounding Nestlé's mineral water practices, as experts may be needed to verify the effectiveness of the new filtration systems and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Lifestyle choices and food-and-drink selections are being influenced by the unfolding events, with some consumers deeming it necessary to avoid Nestlé products in light of the allegations of fraud and potential health risks.
