Nestlé fined US$2.2M by French authorities over mineral water, drilling violations

FRANCE – Nestlé has reached a settlement with French authorities, agreeing to pay a €2 million (US$2.2 million) fine over accusations of breaching laws concerning mineral water and illegal drilling practices.

The settlement follows two separate investigations led by prosecutors from the Épinal law courts in north-eastern France. 

The first investigation focused on claims that Nestlé had applied unauthorized purification treatments to its bottled water products, which were labelled as ‘mineral water.’  

In France, water labelled as ‘spring’ or ‘mineral’ must remain untreated, as it is considered safe for consumption due to its source from protected natural springs. 

Nestlé was accused of using activated carbon filters and ultraviolet systems to purify water for several of its brands, including Perrier, Vittel, Contrex, and Hépar, all of which are classified as mineral water.  

French law prohibits the use of these purification techniques on mineral water products, as they could alter the composition of naturally sourced water. 

A spokesperson for Nestlé defended the company’s actions, stating that the treatments had not harmed the public or changed the mineral composition of the water.  

“Since 2023, all of Nestlé Waters Supply Est activities have complied with the regulatory framework in force and are in line with the latest directives given by the authorities,” the spokesperson added. 

The second investigation centered on Nestlé’s drilling operations in the Vosges mountains, where the company sources water for its Vittel, Hépar, and Contrex brands. 

French authorities questioned the legality of Nestlé’s authorisation to drill in the region. Nestlé stated that its drilling operations were approved in 2019, underlining that its activities adhered to regulatory requirements. 

As part of the settlement, Nestlé has committed to supporting local ecological projects in the Vosges region.  

The company will invest €1.1 million (US$1.2M) in the renaturation of two local watercourses, a project that will be overseen by the French Office for Biodiversity. 

Nestlé launches coffee creamer

Meanwhile, Nestlé’s Coffee Mate brand has expanded its portfolio with a new limited-edition Bagel & Cream Cheese Flavored Creamer.  

The unique launch joins the brand’s seasonal offerings, including Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha varieties, alongside a new collaboration with Dr Pepper for a Dirty Soda creamer. 

The limited-edition creamer is said to provide notes of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and a savoury hint of bagel. 

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