PARIS, Feb 14, (V7N) – A French magistrate has launched a fraud investigation into mineral water giants Nestlé and Sources Alma over suspicions of illegal processing of water, despite prosecutors advising against the move, a source close to the case said Thursday.

The inquiry follows formal complaints from the Foodwatch watchdog, which has accused the companies of misleading consumers about their production methods. Foodwatch has intensified pressure on the firms in recent years over their handling of natural mineral water.

Nestlé Waters, whose brands include Perrier, Contrex, and Vittel, admitted in 2024 to using banned filtration methods, including ultraviolet treatment, on mineral water—violating strict regulations that require natural processing.

Foodwatch alleges that both Nestlé and Sources Alma, France’s largest mineral water producer, engaged in fraudulent practices and misled consumers. Another consumer rights group, CLCV, has also filed complaints, currently under judicial review.

Foodwatch Director General Karine Jacquemart welcomed the investigation, stating:

“We hope these probes will smash the climate of impunity and fully expose the responsibility of Nestlé Waters and Sources Alma, as well as the role of public authorities, particularly the government.”

French media reports indicate that Prime Minister’s and President Emmanuel Macron’s offices recommended allowing Nestlé to continue microfiltering water in 2023, despite government health warnings.

Health Director General Jérôme Salomon had called for Nestlé’s production permits to be suspended at its Vosges region sites and for Perrier production at Vergèze to be halted.

President Emmanuel Macron has denied bowing to lobbying from the Swiss food giant.

In September 2024, Nestlé Waters paid a €2-million ($2.2-million) fine to avoid legal action over the use of illegal water sources and filtration. The company maintains that the filters it currently uses are government-approved and insists its water remains pure.

The French Senate has been probing the government’s role in the scandal since November 2024, and its commission has criticized authorities for their handling of the issue.

Senate commission head Alexandre Ouizille welcomed the criminal probe, stating:

“Each hearing confirms the failure of ministries and administrative authorities.”

The case could have significant consequences for both Nestlé Waters and Sources Alma, as well as for government officials implicated in regulatory failures. 

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