It is a huge scandal which has hit the bottled water market in France. According to revelations from France Info and Le Monde, a judicial investigation was launched at the end of December by the Paris judicial court. It follows a complaint filed last September by the NGO Foodwatch.
A scandal surrounding bottled water
At the heart of the affair, Nestlé Waters remains accused of illegal practices concerning the treatment of its mineral bottled waters, a product widely consumed in the country. The case dates back to last September.
Foodwatch has warned of suspicious practices surrounding the treatment of certain mineral waters. These revelations led to a preliminary investigation. The latter is now followed by judicial information.
Although Nestlé agreed to pay a fine of two million euros to close this first investigation, this did not put an end to the indignation aroused by this affair. Indeed, according to the information available, the bottled waters in question are emblematic brands on the French market.
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On the other hand, be aware that they may have been subject to processing that does not comply with current regulations. These practices question image and purity carried by mineral bottled water.
In addition to the legal investigations, note that the Senate also launched in mid-December a commission of inquiry dedicated to the practices of water manufacturers. On the other hand, the work of this commission encountered strong opposition from Nestlé.
According to France Info and Le Monde, the Swiss giant has shown reluctance to cooperate. He would also not have responded to the senators' summons on bottled water. This attitude would also have aroused indignation.
-A case that raises concerns
This is particularly the case of socialist senator Alexandre Ouizille, rapporteur of the commission. The latter would have ensured that the opening of judicial information “won’t change anything” to parliamentary work. But that's not all.
Please note that the law of November 17, 1958 prohibits a commission of inquiry from taking an interest in facts that are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings. However, Alexandre Ouizille reaffirmed that the senatorial investigations would not be interrupted by this new development.
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This affair has also highlighted very serious concerns regarding the transparency and safety of consumer products. Bottled water remains seen as a purer and healthier alternative to tap water.
Millions of French people consume it every day. On the other hand, the revelation of illegal practices puts an end to this trust. The NGO Foodwatch is also calling for stricter measures and total transparency on the treatments applied to these bottled waters.
Indeed, be aware that it also requires that manufacturers remain held responsible for their actions. And that exemplary sanctions apply. Consumers should therefore exercise great caution with bottled water.
