Nestlé Ordered to Remove Prohibited Filters in France
Nestlé Waters Ordered to Remove Illegal Filtration Systems at French Plants
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prefectures in the Vosges and Gard regions of France have mandated that Nestlé Waters remove unauthorized filtration systems from its Vittel and Vergèze production sites, according to Franceinfo. The order casts further uncertainty on the future of natural mineral water production at these locations.
/2025/05/07/000-app2001051849075-681b71118e589560220787.jpg "Nestlé Ordered to Remove Prohibited Filters in France")
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Formal Notice Issued After Contamination Concerns
The order follows an investigation by radio france and Le Monde that revealed Nestlé had received a government exemption in early 2023 to continue using non-compliant filters, despite warnings from health authorities.
Jérôme bonet, the prefect of Gard, reportedly summoned senior Nestlé Waters executives, including director Muriel Liénau, and issued a formal notice demanding the immediate removal of all prohibited filtration systems at the Vergèze plant, where Perrier is produced.
prefectural Decree in Vosges mirrors Gard Order
A similar prefectural decree, dated April 15, was issued in the Vosges region, impacting the Vittel, Hépar, and Contrex brands. This decree mandates the removal of controversial filters from the Vittel factory and rejects Nestlé’s requests to use boreholes with microfiltration systems.
The Vosges decree, which Franceinfo reportedly reviewed, stipulates that Nestlé had until April 29 to submit an action plan detailing measures to comply with regulations and enhance water quality monitoring. It is unclear if the decree was formally published as required.
Filtration Systems deemed Non-Compliant
The installation of these filtration systems was reportedly a response to recurring contamination issues involving bacteria and pesticides. However,the prefect of Gard’s formal notice states that these treatments are not regulatory because they “modify the microbiological characteristics of water,in contradiction with regulations.” The Vosges prefecture’s decree echoes this sentiment.
the core issue is that the microfilters have a disinfectant affect, which is prohibited for natural mineral water, which must be “pure at source.” This contradicts earlier claims by a Nestlé Waters executive who, during a Senate commission hearing, stated, “Nowhere in Europe do we use non-compliant treatments.”
Future of mineral Water Production in Question
A recent report obtained by Franceinfo indicates that hydrogeologists approved by the Ministry of Health have issued a negative health opinion regarding mineral water production at the Perrier site. Afterward, the director of the regional health agency of Gard has reportedly requested the prefecture to halt natural mineral water production at the site.
While the prefect’s formal notice does not directly address the qualification of natural mineral water, a press release from the prefecture indicates that a decision will be made before August 7, following consultation with the Departmental Council of the Environment and Health and Technological Risks (CODERST).
nestlé Responds, Senator Calls Government “Faulty”
Nestlé told Franceinfo that it is working with the Vosges prefecture to validate an choice system that ensures health security and maintains the production of its natural mineral water brands. The company emphasized that the Vittel brand is not affected by the use of 0.2-micron microfilters.
Nestlé also stated that all bottles currently on the market comply with existing authorizations and that no recalls have been requested due to health risks.
Alexandre Ouizille, a Socialist Senator from oise and rapporteur for the commission investigating bottled water industry practices, stated that the prefects’ decisions “confirm (…) that a prohibited treatment has replaced another.” He criticized the government as “faulty” for allegedly validating Nestlé Waters’ investments in processes now rejected by the prefects. The results of the parliamentary survey are expected on May 19.
Nestlé Waters and the French Filtration Controversy: Your Questions Answered
What’s happening with Nestlé Waters in France?
Nestlé Waters has been ordered to remove unauthorized filtration systems from its Vittel and Vergèze production sites in France, specifically in the Vos