Due to allegations of illicit water processing, a French magistrate has launched a fraud investigation against Nestle and Sources Alma, two major producers of mineral water, according to a source familiar with the case on Thursday.
The insider claimed that by starting the fresh inquiry into the corporations, the magistrate had deviated from the prosecutors’ advice.
The investigation comes after the Foodwatch group filed formal complaints against Sources Alma, the largest manufacturer of mineral water in France, and Nestle Waters, whose brands include Vittel, Perrier, and Contrex. In recent years, Foodwatch has spearheaded increasing pressure on the companies about their production practices.
Nestle Waters acknowledged in 2024 that it had used prohibited filters and ultraviolet treatment on mineral waters, which are legally required to undergo natural processing.
Foodwatch accuses the companies of misleading consumers over the water in the latest complaint taken up by the magistrate.
Another consumer group, CLCV, has also registered complaints which are being studied by magistrates.
Foodwatch director general Karine Jacquemart said she hoped the investigations would “smash the climate of impunity” surrounding the companies and “shed all light on responsibility of Nestle Waters and Sources Alma as well as the role of public authorities and particularly the government.”
In 2023, the president’s and prime minister’s offices advised allowing Nestle to continue microfiltering water in spite of the government health service’s warnings, according to French media.
Jerome Salomon, the director general of health, had demanded that Nestle’s operating permit be suspended at its locations in the eastern French Vosges region and that Perrier’s production be stopped at Vergeze.
The Swiss food behemoth has been lobbying, but President Emmanuel Macron has refused to give up.
Nestle Waters paid a two-million-euro ($2.2-million) fine in September 2024 to avoid legal action over the use of illegal water sources and filtering, but says the filters it uses now are allowed by the government and that its water is “pure”.
Sources Alma had also previously been under investigation by prosecutors.
The government’s role in the water scandals has been under investigation by the French senate since November. The senate commission has already criticised the government.
Alexandre Ouizille, the head of the commission, welcomed the criminal investigations. “Each hearing we hold confirms to us the failure of ministries and administrative authorities,” he said.
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