Nestlé Waters legal scrutiny in France

Nestlé Waters is facing multiple legal challenges in France regarding its environmental and labeling practices. Investigations have scrutinized the company for allegedly marketing brands such as Perrier, Vittel, Contrex, and Hépar as ‘natural mineral water’ while using prohibited treatment methods. While French regulations restrict disinfection and filtration to maintain the ‘natural’ status, evidence suggests the company utilized advanced microfiltration and ultraviolet disinfection to manage contamination. A French Senate report indicated these practices may have generated up to 3 billion euros in unfair profits over 15 years.

Separately, the Nancy Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial concerning allegations of illegal waste dumping in the Vosges region near Vittel and Contrexéville. This ruling reinstates evidence involving expert reports that identified “incommensurable” levels of microplastics in the soil and water near four sites. Prosecutors and civil parties allege these waste sites, described as being the size of “seven football fields,” were managed by the company near its bottling facilities.