Nestlé Agrees to Pay €2 Million to Settle French Water Probes
Source: DairyNews.today
Nestlé’s water subsidiary, responsible for well-known brands such as Perrier, Vittel, and San Pellegrino, has agreed to pay €2 million ($2.2 million) to resolve French investigations into the unauthorized use of wells and the illegal treatment of mineral water. Prosecutors in the town of Epinal announced the settlement on Tuesday, marking the largest environmental agreement of its kind in France.
Probes into Unauthorized Practices
The investigation focused on allegations that Nestlé operated wells without proper authorization and filtered its mineral water, a violation of French laws that mandate mineral waters remain natural. The settlement allows Nestlé to avoid prosecution while committing to environmental restoration projects worth €1.1 million over the next two years in areas where the company operates.
Cooperation and Compliance
According to prosecutor Frédéric Nahon, the agreement was justified due to Nestlé’s cooperation during the investigation, the company's efforts to bring its practices into compliance, and the absence of any public health risks. The non-prosecution deal was seen as a way to swiftly address and remediate the environmental impact while compensating affected parties.
Mixed Reactions
While local environmental groups welcomed the settlement, consumer advocacy groups were critical. Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch, called the decision "scandalous," accusing Nestlé of using its financial power to escape accountability after misleading consumers for years. Critics argue that such settlements send a dangerous message of impunity, undermining trust in regulatory enforcement.
As the settlement closes a major chapter in Nestlé’s French operations, the company now faces ongoing scrutiny from both environmentalists and consumer rights groups over its future practices in the highly regulated mineral water market.
The investigation focused on allegations that Nestlé operated wells without proper authorization and filtered its mineral water, a violation of French laws that mandate mineral waters remain natural. The settlement allows Nestlé to avoid prosecution while committing to environmental restoration projects worth €1.1 million over the next two years in areas where the company operates.
Cooperation and Compliance
According to prosecutor Frédéric Nahon, the agreement was justified due to Nestlé’s cooperation during the investigation, the company's efforts to bring its practices into compliance, and the absence of any public health risks. The non-prosecution deal was seen as a way to swiftly address and remediate the environmental impact while compensating affected parties.
Mixed Reactions
While local environmental groups welcomed the settlement, consumer advocacy groups were critical. Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch, called the decision "scandalous," accusing Nestlé of using its financial power to escape accountability after misleading consumers for years. Critics argue that such settlements send a dangerous message of impunity, undermining trust in regulatory enforcement.
As the settlement closes a major chapter in Nestlé’s French operations, the company now faces ongoing scrutiny from both environmentalists and consumer rights groups over its future practices in the highly regulated mineral water market.
23.09.2024
Carbon emissions in global milk production - the elephant in the room
I have been thinking to make this post yes/ no. I decided for yes and like to ask everyone to not "shoot the messenger". The chart shows an analysis of IFCN Dairy Research Network from the 2024 supporter conference in Poland.
