Nestlé Waters has faced a significant blow as legal challenges emerge due to longstanding misrepresentations about its Henniez mineral water.
At a Glance
- Nestlé fined 500,000 Swiss francs for unauthorized filtration of Henniez water.
- Swiss inspections in 2020 revealed improper filtration practices.
- French bottled water operations under investigation since early 2024.
- Regulatory breaches cast doubt on claims of natural purity.
Nestlé’s Regulatory Misstep
Swiss authorities uncovered that Nestlé Waters misrepresented its Henniez mineral water as natural despite using unauthorized activated carbon filters from 2008 until 2022. During an inspection in 2020, the Food Safety and Consumer Protection (OFCO) of Vaud discovered the inappropriate filtration system, which led to misinformation about the water’s purity. Regulatory attempts to legalize the process failed, and Nestlé stopped using these filters by the end of 2022.
The company incurred a 500,000 Swiss francs penalty, and public prosecutor Eric Kaltenrieder noted the economic advantage Nestlé achieved by using the mineral water label without valid compliance. The entire filtration issue casts doubts on the authenticity of claims asserting the water’s natural state.
French Operations Under Scrutiny
Nestlé’s complications do not end in Switzerland. Since the start of 2024, French authorities have been investigating Nestlé’s water operations, including the Perrier brand, over allegations of using banned micro-filtration methods. Such actions potentially violate strict French and EU regulations, which guard the integrity of the term “natural mineral water.”
Investigations asserted the collusion between Nestlé and officials led to covering up potentially illegal practices. The case expanded as Perrier, Hepar, and Contrex sites were allegedly involved in prohibited treatment activities. This has triggered significant regulatory focus, leading to demands for removing unauthorized filtration systems.
The Wider Industry Impact
Nestlé’s chief executive emphasized human activity’s impact on water scarcity, yet the scandal contradicts claims of water authenticity. Consumer trust wavers as public scrutiny intensifies, reflecting concerns regarding the purity and transparency commitments of bottled water companies.
Moving forward, the industry faces increased regulatory checks ensuring adherence to purity standards. Efforts to rebuild consumer confidence will require robust proof of compliance and clear communication to counteract the negative publicity stemming from past missteps.
