Nestlé Accused of Illegal Water Filtration Practices and Government Favoritism

Investigations reveal unauthorized water treatment methods and alleged lobbying by Nestlé Waters, raising concerns over public health and regulatory transparency.

• Nestlé Waters has been accused of using illegal microfiltration techniques for its bottled water brands, including Vittel and Perrier, between 2021 and 2023.
• Reports suggest that the company lobbied French government officials, including the Élysée and Matignon, to secure exemptions for its filtration practices despite health risks identified by regulatory agencies.
• The French health agency concluded that water treated with these methods was 'not microbiologically safe,' but government officials still permitted their use, sparking criticism from transparency advocates.
• Nestlé Waters paid a €2 million fine in 2024 following a complaint by Foodwatch, avoiding a trial over allegations of consumer deception regarding the natural quality of its bottled water.
• Transparency International and other organizations are calling for the release of investigation findings into Nestlé's lobbying activities and the enforcement of stricter oversight on industry-government interactions.

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