"UFC-Que Choisir, which lodged its request with a court in Nanterre near Paris, had argued that the company's microfiltration process meant Perrier could no longer claim the "natural mineral water" designation. 'The existence of a health risk to consumers linked to Perrier waters labelled 'natural mineral waters' has not been established,' said the Nanterre court on Tuesday. Marie-Amandine Stevenin, the head of the consumer rights group, said they were 'angry' at the ruling."
"For its part, Nestlé Waters welcomed the ruling, saying it confirmed that, 'the food safety of Source Perrier natural mineral waters has always been guaranteed'. In early 2024, media reported that Nestlé Waters, which also owns the Vittel and Contrex brands, had used banned processes to improve its quality, including ultraviolet treatment and activated carbon filters. Such treatment is contrary to French and European law that states natural mineral water cannot undergo any processes that change its original state."
The Nanterre court ruled that Perrier may continue to be sold and labeled as "natural mineral water" and dismissed a request from UFC-Que Choisir to suspend sales. UFC-Que Choisir alleged that Perrier's microfiltration process invalidated the "natural mineral water" designation and posed health risks. The court found that a health risk linked to Perrier waters labelled "natural mineral waters" has not been established. The consumer group was ordered to pay €5,000 to Nestlé Waters. Nestlé Waters said the ruling confirmed the food safety of Source Perrier natural mineral waters. Media reports earlier in 2024 alleged use of banned treatments such as ultraviolet treatment and activated carbon filters, which French and European law prohibit for natural mineral water. Contamination by fecal bacteria has been found in Perrier wells on several occasions, especially after heavy rainfall, and Nestlé Waters has argued those incidents have been rare.
Read at The Local France
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