Nestlé faces criminal complaint in France for deceiving consumers over natural water PHOTO

Nestlé Waters is facing mounting legal pressure in France after the prominent consumer group UFC-Que Choisir filed a criminal complaint against the Swiss food giant, accusing it of "deceptive commercial practices, aggravated falsification, and aggravated deception" in what has become widely known as the French mineral water scandal.

The complaint stems from revelations that Nestlé Waters—whose brands include Perrier and Vittel—used illegal water treatments in direct violation of French laws governing natural mineral water, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

Under French regulations, such water must not undergo disinfection or any process that alters its natural characteristics.

The controversy first emerged in 2020, when an employee at rival company Sources Alma flagged the unauthorised use of treatment methods. A joint investigation by certain French media outlets later uncovered that Nestlé had been using ultraviolet light and activated carbon filters on its mineral waters—techniques deemed illegal under French food safety law for products labelled as "natural mineral water."

In January 2024, Nestlé publicly admitted to applying these treatments, describing them as "food safety measures" necessary to ensure product quality. While the company claims that it now uses government-approved methods and insists its products are "pure," the admission led to public outrage and renewed scrutiny.

To preempt prosecution, Nestlé Waters paid a €2 million fine in September 2024 related to the use of unauthorised water sources and treatment techniques. Nonetheless, multiple legal proceedings continue. Separate complaints have been filed by consumer protection organisations against Nestlé Waters and competing brand Sources Alma, whose portfolio includes Cristaline, St-Yorre, and Vichy Célestins.

UFC-Que Choisir is also seeking urgent interim measures through an expedited legal procedure filed with the Nanterre District Court. These measures include potential product withdrawals and recalls, a marketing ban, and a formal end to what the group describes as “the deception surrounding these Perrier waters presented as ‘natural mineral’.” A hearing is set for early July.

The scandal has also ignited broader public concern over transparency in the bottled water industry and the responsibilities of corporations to uphold consumer trust.

By Khagan Isayev