In recent years, French mineral water has in many cases not been as “naturally pure” as the law requires. According to French media research, the Nestlé Group and other mineral water producers are suspected of having illegally disinfected the spring water.
“At least a third of brands disrespected the rules,” stated a report in the newspaper Le Monde published today.
Nestlé admits methods
Nestlé had announced the day before that it had used these techniques, but has since discontinued them. This included disinfection with activated charcoal or UV rays. These processes are certainly permitted for tap water, but not for mineral and spring water, which are sold at significantly higher prices as naturally pure water.
“The objective has always been to ensure food safety,” emphasized Nestlé. Water from affected brands, which include Perrier and Vittel, is no longer being treated.
Government kept report secret
According to information from “Le Monde”, the French government has been aware of this since 2021 at the latest. A commission of inquiry confirmed in 2022 that illegal disinfection of spring water was widespread.
However, the report was not published. Last year, the French government quietly changed regulations and allowed the use of microfilters.
In the background is the threat to sources from drought caused by climate change, but also from the use of pesticides in agriculture. According to the “Le Monde” report, several springs were temporarily contaminated with fecal bacteria.