Allegations Suggest Nestlé Sold Filtered Contaminated Water as 'Natural Spring Water'

Nestlé is accused of filtering contaminated water through banned methods and selling it as 'natural spring water', according to 'BILD на русском'. Recent media investigations have revealed that mineral water sources in France are, among other issues, contaminated with sewage, Escherichia coli bacteria, and pesticides.

Companies like Nestlé are said to have illegally filtered water and continued to sell it as 'natural spring water', the publication notes. The fraud amount over the last 15 years has reached €3 billion, reported the investigative platform Mediapart. The consumer organization Foodwatch is urging French authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

This past February, consumer rights advocates already filed a lawsuit against Nestlé and the French spring water producer Sources Alma. Next week, the European Commission is set to release a report on the investigation into the actions of French authorities regarding this matter.

A spokesperson for Nestlé stated that they do not agree with Mediapart's 'figures and calculation methods'.