Overview

• A French Senate investigation revealed that Nestlé Waters used unauthorized filters to treat Perrier, Vittel, and Contrex mineral waters, violating EU regulations.
• The report accuses the French government of facilitating and concealing these practices, including approving microfiltration despite EU prohibitions.
• Nestlé misled consumers by marketing treated water as natural mineral water, though no health risks were identified, according to the Senate findings.
• Judicial inquiries are underway, with Nestlé facing potential legal consequences and a license review for its Vergèze site by August 2025.
• The scandal has damaged public trust in France's mineral water industry and raised concerns over regulatory transparency and enforcement.