Nestle HQ In France Raided In Mineral Waters Investigation

French authorities raided the local headquarters of Nestlé SA near Paris on Thursday, as the scandal into the Swiss company’s treatment of bottled mineral waters deepens.

The evidence-gathering inspections, first reported by Radio France, were confirmed by the country’s anti-fraud office, known as DGCCRF, as well as Nestlé. The case concerns the consumer goods giant’s use of prohibited filtering methods for natural mineral waters.

The inquiry followed a complaint lodged by consumer rights group Foodwatch against Nestlé and Nestlé Waters, the DGCCRF said.

Nestlé confirmed that searches are underway in France and said it continues to cooperate fully with the authorities.

The world’s largest food company has been under increased scrutiny over the treatment of its mineral waters after it last year acknowledged the use of charcoal and UV filtering. Last week, the company said filtering of its Perrier natural mineral water is now in compliance with French regulations after it was fined for illegal treatments last year.