2024-07-24 22:28:32
France’s bottled water control system has serious flaws, according to an audit published by the European Commission on Wednesday. Worse, the system does not guarantee that fraudulent products are not on the shelves, the committee announced. An audit mission in March revealed several weaknesses in the control system.
Control systems are not designed to detect fraud
Although France has a complete control system and laboratory testing capabilities, this cannot effectively ensure that the mineral water put on the market meets legal requirements. The system was not designed to detect or prevent fraud and was poorly implemented, resulting in non-compliant and potentially fraudulent products.
The audit criticized the lack of inspections and lack of cooperation among competent authorities. The Committee also regrets the lack of immediate follow-up measures to correct violations, such as the use of prohibited treatments.
Fraud investigation ongoing
In January, Nestlé’s French subsidiary, which sells the Perrier, Vittel, Hépar and Contrex brands, admitted using banned treatments to disinfect its mineral water. A preliminary investigation into deception by Nestlé Waters is ongoing in Epinal. Alma Group, which makes brands such as Cristaline and Saint-Yorre, is also under investigation for similar reasons.
Consumer association Foodwatch lodged complaints against Nestlé and Alma and harshly criticized the audit. She said the report confirmed consumer opacity, a lack of control by authorities and impunity for multinational companies.
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