The Paris offices of food and beverage giant, Nestlé, have been searched by French Authorities this week, as part of an investigation into Nestlé Waters.
The investigation follows allegations by non-profit organisation, Foodwatch, that Nestlé Waters’ used illegal filtration systems for its water, to mask contamination by bacteria and pesticides.
According to Radio France, the two investigating judges ordered the search to gather further evidence. Investigators have reportedly seized large volumes of data that will now be analysed as part of the criminal proceedings. The search was carried out on Wednesday by the DGCCRF’s National Investigation Service (SNE) and the environmental and public health unit OCLAESP.
“The search at Nestlé shows that our allegations are being taken seriously,” says Ingrid Kragl of Foodwatch France. “Nestlé Waters has been selling illegally filtered bottled water while presenting it as ‘natural’ – in France and across global markets. This is not a minor infraction, but a deliberate fraud."
Kragl went on to say that Foodwatch expects the French judiciary to, “establish the truth and ensure accountability”.
A spokesperson for Nestlé responded to Thursday’s events saying, “we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as we have always done”.
This is not the first time Nestlé Waters has faced controversy.
In March 2024, the multinational came under fire for processing methods used in the production of two of its biggest water brands, Perrier and Vittel. The company was accused of selling bottled tap water as mineral water.
And in April 2024, health concerns were raised after sources for its natural mineral water brands were found to be contaminated with bacteria, pesticides, and PFAS.
Nestlé Waters produces Perrier and Contrex.