The Nestlé scandal over bottled purified water

S’purified water does not’is not simply a matter of taste or comfort, it is a vital necessity for many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Imagine a universe where every drop of water you consume is free from bacteria, heavy metals, and any form of’organic impurity.

Thanks to innovative purification systems like distillation, the’reverse osmosis as well as ion exchange resins’ions, this water reaches an unmatched level of purity. 

However, in the world of’agri-food sector, there are sometimes controversies and this was the case with Nestlé. Indeed, mineral waters cannot be purified. The’the company is therefore targeted by a complaint filed by Foodwatch. A report from the’The General Inspectorate of Social Affairs informs of the’use of banned treatments for mineral waters.

Nestlé: banned purification techniques for several years

An investigation conducted by Radio France and Le Monde showed that’at least one third of French companies were targeted by this controversy. Major brands like Vittel, Contrex, Hépar, Perrier, or St-Yorre have undergone non-compliant treatments due to their contamination.

These techniques are accepted only for the’tap water or on the waters that the’make them drinkable. However, for natural mineral waters, it is prohibited to’employ these methods. The reason is simple, they come from underground resources, this disinfection process is to be avoided.

Nestlé acknowledged its involvement by specifying that the methods used for these purified waters were based on activated carbon filters and’ultraviolet. Apparently, the authorities were informed in 2021 in order to "maintain their food security". The’The General Inspectorate of Social Affairs was initiated and the result of the investigations is indisputable.

“The work has revealed that nearly 30% of brands undergo non-compliant treatments.”

Why the’why is the purified water case disclosed so late?

In December 2020, a report is transmitted by an employee of the Alma group. The DGCCRF (General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) opens an investigation. T’it is at this moment that the prohibited techniques on purified waters are revealed.

The government became aware of this use in August 2021, but it wished to manage this crisis discreetly. In February 2023, an interministerial meeting is organized to discuss’Nestlé's business and the production of bottled waters.

• Actions and transformations in the packaging plants of’water is mentioned.
• A "strengthened, bacteriological and virological monitoring of the quality of the’water" is implemented.
• The Prime Minister at the time, Elisabeth Borne, proposes "to’allow by modifying prefectural orders the practice of microfiltration below 0.8 micron.

Is it dangerous to consume Nestlé's purified waters?

Even if the techniques used are prohibited, a government source stated that the report was a business secret. It cannot therefore be consulted by citizens, but it claimed that’there was no health risk regarding the quality of bottled waters.

The only problem lies in the’designated. Indeed, purified water has undergone treatment, whereas’natural mineral water or spring water must be pure. These waters are’the subject of’strict regulation in France thanks to a European directive. It is entirely possible to’to use disinfection methods, but these must specifically retain their "natural" aspect.

Nestlé finds itself at the heart of’a scandal with Perrier bottles

After this scandal, another controversy arose. Part of the production of Perrier waters was destroyed as a precaution. After the Monica storm, the quality of the’water would have been degraded at the wells in the southeast of France. The firm did not’did not wish to elaborate on the subject. She only mentioned a "punctual microbiological deviation." Bacteria from’fecal origins would have been discovered.

It is 2 million bottles that have been removed from the market according to information provided to l’AFP. Last June, we learned that the company was stopping the production of one-liter plastic bottles of Perrier since it did not have the necessary water volumes. Marketing would therefore be suspended until the end of summer.

After purified waters, several crises for Nestlé

S’company Nestlé Waters is at the center of several scandals, and to this, we add suspicions of fraud and’illegal exploitation of boreholes. In 2020, eau88 and France Nature Environnement had filed a complaint, but the’the case had been dismissed.

S’company claims that’they are both known, identified, and authorized.

How to obtain quality water for your consumption?

With all these scandals, customers are somewhat put off by the’idea of drinking mineral waters or purified waters with prohibited processes. It is initially interesting to gather information about the different waters available on the market.

We offer you, at Weeplow, an innovative system of gravity water filtration to obtain pure water. You eliminate bacteria, chlorine, but also sand, heavy metals, sediments, and this, without harmful chemical treatment for your health. This innovative method promotes good mineral salts.

• You are not affected by the scandals related to these prohibited uses of treatments for purified waters.
• You reduce the amount of plastic and pollutants in the environment. 
• You lower your electricity consumption since the system is used without a power outlet.

Don't hesitate to browse our store, you will find the gravity water filtration system that meets your expectations.