Nestle Waters, the leading global seller of bottled water, acknowledged on Monday that it utilized “food safety” treatments that violated French law.
The company confirmed an earlier report from business daily Les Echos, revealing that waters like Perrier and Vittel underwent processes involving ultraviolet light and active carbon filters to ensure food safety.
Nestle admitted to losing sight of the imperative of adhering to regulations but assured that all the implicated brands now comply with French requirements.
The company disclosed this information to the French authorities in 2021.
Nestle has not provided immediate clarification regarding when it ceased employing the treatment methods for water sold under brands like Perrier, Vittel, Hepar, and Contrex.
According to French law, mineral waters are prohibited from undergoing any disinfectant treatment, as they are expected to be safe for consumption directly from their sources.
In contrast, tap water undergoes disinfection before being classified as potable.
Nestle acknowledged “changes in the environment around its sources,” which occasionally pose challenges in maintaining the stability of crucial water characteristics, specifically the absence of pollution and mineral composition.
Following the cessation of the treatments, Nestle has temporarily halted production at certain wells in the Vosges department in eastern France due to their vulnerability to climate-related risks. This action has resulted in a reduction in the production of Hepar and Contrex.
