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After looking for a Memorization All bottles of Perrier’s Sparkling Mineral Wateralleged that it was misleading Marketing Brand as “Natural”, a French The court sided with Nestle and dismissed the case brought by consumer group UFC-Q Choisir.
The consumer group had argued that the Nestlé-owned brand could not be described as “natural” mineral water given its use of microfiltration, and that filtration could pose potential health risks that have not yet been fully approved by authorities.
However, the Nanterre court ruled that there was not enough evidence of an immediate health risk or a clear violation of Law To justify such drastic action.
It said Perrier could be sold as before, and ordered UFC-Q Choisir to pay Nestlé’s legal costs.
Perrier welcomes the decision
A Nestlé spokesperson said, “We welcome the court’s decision to dismiss all of UFC-Q Choisir’s demands in this case. Today’s decision confirms that the food safety of Perrier Natural Mineral Water has always been guaranteed.”
The case was the latest development in the ongoing scandal surrounding the brand since French media reported last year that Perrier and several other mineral water producers were illegally treating their water to prevent pollution.
An investigation by the French Senate in May found that the French government had concealed the use of the treatment for years.
Nestlé said it regretted the use of the treatments and has since stopped using them, switching instead to microfiltration, which it says is safe and does not alter the mineral makeup of its water.
UFC-Q Choisir had argued that microfiltration is another type of treatment that has not been approved by authorities, and that its use to remove contaminants suggests there may be a potential health risk.
The new filtration system is awaiting approval from local authorities
Famous for its teardrop-shaped, green glass bottles, Perrier has been produced from spring water in southern France since the late 19th century and is marketed around the world. Nestle’s Waters division has owned the brand since 1992.
In July, Nestlé withdrew the 0.2 micron microfiltration at its Verges factory following a request from local authorities, and replaced it with a 0.45 micron device, which it already uses for its Vitale water and has discussed with authorities.
The new filtration system is part of a comprehensive document awaiting approval from local authorities for the sustainable production of mineral water in Wedges.
Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages division revenues reached 2.4 billion Swiss francs ($3 billion) in the first nine months of the year, accounting for less than 4% of group revenues.
Reuters has reported that the group is exploring options for the sale of the unit, as the Swiss food giant looks to refocus on larger brands.