French Government Faces Scrutiny Over Nestlé Bottled Water Scandal

Investigations reveal high-level approvals for Nestlé to sell water using banned methods despite health warnings.

French President Emmanuel Macron has denied allegations of collusion with Nestlé over allowing the sale of bottled water treated with banned filtration methods.
Reports from Le Monde and Radio France reveal that both the French presidency and prime minister's office authorized Nestlé to continue operations despite health authorities' recommendations to suspend them.
Health officials, including Jérôme Salomon, warned in early 2023 that Nestlé's water did not meet microbiological safety standards and called for immediate action, which was not implemented.
Nestlé admitted in 2024 to using unauthorized filtration techniques and agreed to pay a €2 million fine to avoid a trial, though consumer advocacy groups demand further accountability.
Consumer rights group Foodwatch has filed additional legal complaints, accusing Nestlé and other companies of fraudulent practices and calling for greater transparency and sanctions.