The mineral water fraud scandal does not end with the publication, on Monday, May 19, of the report by the French Sénat inquiry commission tasked with shedding light on this scandal, which was revealed by Le Monde and Radio France in January 2024. The prefect of the southern Gard department issued an ultimatum to Nestlé: The world's leading bottled water company has been given until July 7 to remove the microfiltration systems used at its Perrier plant in the Gard commune of Vergèze and comply with regulations.

While the food giant has installed filters (activated carbon, UV, then microfiltration), this contradicts its claim that Perrier waters are still "pure at the source," as they require treatment to decontaminate and therefore should no longer be eligible for the coveted natural mineral water label. The aquifers from which the famous sparkling water is drawn are contaminated by various pollutants and not just "sporadically," as Nestlé executives claimed before the inquiry commission.

The contaminations can be chemical in nature: pesticides and nitrates linked to agricultural activities, notably the Costières de Nîmes vineyards; and forever chemicals (PFAS), with undetermined origins. However, it is the increasing number of incidents of contamination by fecal bacteria that pose the greatest threat to Perrier. They forced Nestlé to destroy 3 million bottles in April 2024 and block several hundred thousand a year later.

You have 73.93% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.