Perrier faces Sales Ban demand in France Over ‘Dishonest’ Labeling
PARIS - French consumer organization UFC-Que Choisir is taking legal action to halt sales of Perrier sparkling water in France, alleging the beverage’s labeling is misleading.The organization claims Perrier, owned by Nestlé Waters, is marketed as natural mineral water despite undergoing treatment processes that disqualify it from that designation under French and European law.
the dispute centers on revelations from last year that Nestlé Waters employed ultraviolet treatment and activated carbon filters to enhance Perrier’s quality – methods prohibited for natural mineral water, which is legally required to be sold in its original condition. UFC-Que choisir argues this treatment renders the product inaccurately labeled and possibly poses a health risk, a claim Nestlé Waters refutes. This case highlights growing scrutiny of bottled water sourcing and processing clarity, impacting consumers who seek authentically natural mineral water and potentially setting a precedent for stricter labeling regulations across Europe.
“Consumers buy water sold as natural mineral water, but it has been treated and is not natural,” stated Alexis Macchetto, the organization’s lawyer.
according to French and European legislation, natural mineral water cannot be altered thru any processes that change its original composition. UFC-Que Choisir contends that the treatments used by Nestlé Waters violate thes regulations, justifying their demand for a sales prohibition.
Nestlé Waters has not yet publicly responded to the latest legal challenge but previously defended its practices, asserting the treatments do not compromise the water’s safety. The outcome of this case could significantly impact perrier’s market position in France and potentially trigger wider investigations into the processing methods of other bottled water brands.
