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French prosecutors probe Nestle over mineral water treatments

World

French prosecutors probe Nestle over mineral water treatments

By Agence France-Presse

Paris, France - French prosecutors said on Wednesday they had opened an investigation into suspected fraudulent practices by the waters division of Swiss food giant Nestle, after it admitted treating water for its top French brands including Perrier and Vittel.

In this file photo taken on August 23, 2006 the logo of Nestle, the Swiss food giant, is seen on the company's Headquarters in Vevey. Nestle Water, informed the French authorities in 2021 that it used banned ultraviolet treatments and activated carbon filters on some of its mineral waters to maintain "their food safety", told AFP, confirming information from Les Echos, on January 29, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

The probe announced by prosecutors in the Epinal region of eastern France came after a government probe reported by media said almost one in three mineral water brands in France undergoes purification treatment supposed to be used only on tap water.

The investigation was ordered following a complaint by France's ARS health regulator, prosecutor Frederic Nahon told AFP, without specifying when it was opened.

Investigations "are still in progress, in particular to establish whether the label 'natural' mineral water is misleading or not," he added.

Regional daily Vosges Matin said the investigation had been opened in January 2023.

Nestle Waters said this week it said it had passed some waters, such as Perrier and Vittel, through ultraviolet light and active carbon filters "to guarantee food safety".

Nestle said it "lost track of the importance of conforming to regulations" but that all the brands concerned now fulfil French requirements.

French law based on a European Union directive bars disinfection of mineral water, which is supposed to be of naturally high quality before bottling.

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