House searches at Nestlé in water fraud case

As part of an investigation into alleged mineral water fraud, French authorities have searched Nestlé‘s headquarters near Paris yesterday. The manufacturer says it is cooperating with the investigation.

“Large-scale fraud”

Last year, a scandal broke out over the improper handling of natural mineral water. Nestlé allegedly treated contaminated spring water from Contrex, Hépar, Perrier and Vittel with micro-filtration, activated carbon filters and ultraviolet filters, to “ensure consumer safety”. However, those treatments are not allowed in mineral waters, and independent food watchdog Foodwatch filed a complaint.

As part of the investigation, the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) now ordered a search of Nestlé’s French headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux. Nestlé Waters confirmed the searches and says it continues to cooperate fully with authorities, the company told French news agency AFP. In April, CEO Laurent Freixe expressed “regret” to a parliamentary enquiry committee, stating that Nestlé Waters had done everything possible to put an end to the practices.

However, Foodwatch speaks of “large-scale fraud” and demands that the responsibilities of the company and regulatory authorities be clarified. “When global companies get away with misleading consumers, it undermines the foundations of food safety regulation”, the organisation says.