On May 19, 2025, a French Senate report accused the government “at the highest level” of concealing Nestlé’s improper treatment of mineral water, including Perrier, violating EU regulations on natural mineral water, per France 24. The six-month inquiry, involving over 70 hearings, criticised the state’s lack of transparency with local, European authorities, and the public.
In 2020, Nestlé Waters reportedly found prohibited ultraviolet treatments and activated carbon filters at its Perrier, Hepar, and Contrex sites. After informing the government in 2021, a microfiltration plan was approved in 2022, despite European Union laws that ban treatments altering the characteristics of mineral water. In 2024, Nestlé admitted to using banned practices and paid a €2 million fine to avoid prosecution, asserting that its water remained “pure.”
Eau de Perrier: le Sénat saisit la justice pour "faux témoignage" d'un dirigeant de Nestlé Watershttps://t.co/zYKGtMedhd pic.twitter.com/qeNChbbvmA
— BFM Business (@bfmbusiness) May 12, 2025French Government Involvement
The report claims a deliberate cover-up strategy began at an interministerial meeting in 2021. It suggests that the Élysée Palace has been aware of Nestlé’s misconduct since 2022. The office of then-Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne approved microfiltration below the 0.8-micron threshold, although she reportedly was not informed about this decision. Despite revelations in 2021, no legal action was taken, raising concerns about consumer fraud, according to the Senate report.
Nestlé may be forced to shut down the French premium water brand Perrier.
Dangerous bacteria were found in Perrier water. The issue occurred at the factory in the French town of Vergèze. Around 300,000 bottles have already been recalled, and hundreds of thousands more have been… pic.twitter.com/yFz2vMwB9e
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 18, 2025Despite Nestlé’s fine, the report highlights ongoing transparency issues, with senators threatening legal action after the CEO refused to answer questions. The reported faecal contamination in Perrier bottles in 2024 further jeopardised the brand’s claim of being “natural.”
The scandal, sparked by a 2020 whistleblower, has led to Perrier losing its “natural mineral water” status and facing fraud inquiries. The Senate’s findings call for accountability and stricter oversight, which could impact Nestlé’s operations and public trust. The government’s role remains under scrutiny as investigations continue.
