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The Swiss-based beverage company, Nestlé, is facing another legal issue related to its mineral water bottling practices. According to reports by Le Monde and Radio France, a judicial investigation has been opened into “deception” at Nestlé’s bottling plant in Contrexéville, France. This followed a complaint filed by the consumer protection association Foodwatch in September 2024.
The investigation is a result of allegations that Nestlé has been using prohibited treatment techniques to handle bacterial or chemical contamination in its bottled water products. The company’s Perrier plant in Vergèze, southern France, and its Vosges area site, which produces Hépar, Contrex, and Vittel brand waters, were found to be using methods such as microfiltration, UV filters, and activated carbons, among others. Nestlé had acknowledged the use of these techniques, according to Le Monde and Radio France.
The report by the Occitanie regional health agency found that the situation at the Perrier site is still problematic, with Nestlé having to cease operating certain wells and destroy 3 million bottles of water in April 2024.
Nestlé has since commented on the situation, stating that it “cannot comment on current legal proceedings” but intends to “cooperate constructively with the judicial authorities.” This latest development adds to the company’s ongoing legal woes in the mineral water fraud case. The French public is still waiting for answers on the integrity and quality of Nestlé’s bottled water products.