At the end of January 2024, media reports revealed that manufacturers of natural and spring mineral waters (Mainly Nestlé Waters) were applying prohibited treatments to them (activated carbon filters, ultraviolet treatments, etc.). The Senate Economic Affairs Committee then created a fact-finding mission on the control of the treatment of these waters.
The Senate report of October 16, 2024 on “public policies regarding the control of the treatment of natural and spring mineral waters” analyzes the management of this matter by the authorities and proposes ways to improve it.
The Senate report deplores :
- the “belated and confidential” reaction of the State, but also its lack of commitment. Faced with the widespread use of microfiltration, the government relaxed its rules. In order to comply, NW is carrying out a transformation plan in 2023 under the aegis of the State, based on fine microfiltration;
- Ambiguity on the part of the authorities regarding microfiltration, with no standard specifying the size of approved filters;
- the lack of cooperation between the competent authorities
- the lack of consumer information.
Some stakeholders also drew the mission’s attention to the vulnerability of groundwater sources to climate change and the pressures affecting their quality and renewal.
In view of this situation, the report recommends
- Clarify the legal framework for microfiltration and water traceability, in cooperation with the European authorities;
- increase the intensity, frequency and deterrent nature of controls;
- improving consumer information;
- improving knowledge of water systems and their pollution levels.
