Bottled water: Brussels points to ‘serious shortcomings’ in French controls

European audit reveals flaws in French control system

A European audit has concluded that ‘the official control system does not effectively verify that natural mineral waters placed on the market meet the legal requirements in force’. The European Commission published its findings on Wednesday, underlining that the control system for bottled water in France has ‘serious shortcomings’ that make it impossible to guarantee the absence of fraudulent products on the shelves.

Inadequate control procedures

The audit procedure was launched by Brussels following press reports in January of possible infringements in the natural mineral water sector. A ten-day mission was organised in March. According to the audit, although France has a control system with adequate procedures and laboratory testing capabilities, ‘as a whole, the official control system does not effectively verify that natural mineral waters placed on the market meet the legal requirements in force’.

The report adds that the system ‘is not designed to detect or mitigate fraud in the natural mineral and spring water sector, nor is it properly implemented, making it possible for non-compliant and potentially fraudulent products to be present on the market’.

Criticism of the frequency and targeting of inspections

In particular, the audit criticises the fact that inspections of high-risk sites are insufficiently targeted and too infrequent, as well as ‘inadequate cooperation within and between the competent authorities’. It also highlights the ‘absence of immediate follow-up measures’ to ensure that operators remedy non-compliances, such as the use of prohibited treatments, or to prevent unqualified water from being placed on the market.

Scandal and preliminary investigation

In January, a French subsidiary of Nestlé, which produces the Perrier, Vittel, Hépar and Contrex brands, admitted using banned disinfection treatments (UV lamp, activated carbon) to maintain the ‘food safety’ of its mineral waters. The Épinal public prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into Nestlé Waters for deception. The Alma group, which produces brands such as Cristaline, Saint-Yorre and Vichy Célestins, is also the subject of legal proceedings for similar reasons.

Consumer reactions

Foodwatch, a consumer association which has brought a complaint against Nestlé, Sources Alma and the government for ‘complacency’, said that the audit ‘confirms what it denounces at every scandal: opacity for consumers, lack of control by the authorities and impunity for multinationals’.