French authorities have ordered Nestlé to cease using its filtering system on Perrier, marking a significant blow to the Swiss multinational’s operations in France.
On May 7, the government prefect for the southern Gard region, where the popular sparkling water is extracted, instructed Nestlé to remove the microfiltering system from its Perrier production line within the next two months.
This development follows ongoing concerns over the brand’s compliance with strict European Union regulations governing natural mineral water.
While the order does not label the product as a health risk to consumers, it does prevent Perrier from continuing to market its water as “natural mineral water” until further clarity is provided.
The decision follows a growing controversy surrounding the use of filtering methods that are prohibited under EU rules for products sold as natural mineral water.
Nestlé Waters, the division responsible for Perrier, has expressed its intention to comply with the order, which requires removing the controversial microfiltering system.
In a statement, the company acknowledged the mandate and said it was determined to seek a resolution that would allow it to regain permission to use the “natural mineral water” label. A final decision on whether Perrier can continue using the term is expected by August 7.
This development is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for Nestlé Waters, which has faced growing scrutiny over its practices. In 2024, the company admitted to using unauthorized filtration techniques and ultraviolet treatment on its mineral waters.
This admission came after a fraud investigation was launched in response to complaints from consumer groups, who raised concerns that such practices misled consumers and violated EU rules.
In response to the investigation, Nestlé paid a $2.2 million fine to avoid legal action over the use of illegal filtering and water sources.
Despite this, the company maintained that its filtration methods were safe, claiming that the replacement filters were approved by French authorities and that its water remained “pure.”
However, regional health experts have now determined that the microfiltering system was incompatible with the legal standards for natural mineral water.
This assessment led to the May 7 order, which effectively puts Perrier’s branding and production methods under the microscope once again. The ongoing controversy has prompted questions about the role of government officials in overseeing Nestlé’s operations.
Investigations have emerged suggesting that high-level political figures, including those from the Prime Minister’s and President’s offices, may have intervened to allow the company to continue using its microfiltering system despite previous warnings. President Emmanuel Macron has denied any involvement in lobbying on Nestlé’s behalf.
Critics of Nestlé’s practices, such as the consumer advocacy group Foodwatch, have praised the May 7 decision, calling it a step in the right direction.
The group hopes that the ongoing investigation will fully expose the company’s actions and those of its executives, ensuring that consumers are not misled.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Perrier’s branding and its compliance with EU regulations remains uncertain. With the August 7 deadline approaching, the coming weeks could prove critical for the water brand’s reputation and its relationship with French authorities.
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