France is facing its own 'Watergate' scandal, but in the most literal sense of the word. The French government is accused of covering up large-scale fraud involving Nestlé's drinking water operations. A Senate investigative committee concluded that there is a 'cover-up affair' by the French authorities, stating that the state failed to show transparency towards local and European authorities, as well as the public.
The issue revolves around Nestlé Waters' alleged illegal purification and sale of mineral water. According to EU regulations, natural mineral water must not be treated. However, Nestlé did so, and in dubious ways, including the use of UV rays and carbon filters. Microfilters, which the government even approved, were also used, despite violating European laws. Some microfilters can further contaminate the water with microplastics and harmful chemicals.
The Senate report also revealed that Nestlé manipulated a list of bacteria and plant toxins from Perrier water sources, omitting it from a key regional health authority report. Consumer organization Foodwatch has filed lawsuits against Nestlé, accusing the government of enabling the fraud.