French government accused of covering up scandal with food giant Nestle: Report

TThe French government covered up a scandal on illegal filter treatments of mineral water by the food giant Nestle, as announced in a report on Monday.

According to an investigation by the French Senate, quoted by the state anadolu agency at Torkiye, the government of Nestle allowed banned treatments to manufacture natural mineral waters, including the legendary Perrier brand, which was acquired by Swiss food and drinks in the early 1990s.

“In addition to the lack of the transparency of Nestle Waters, it is important to highlight the lack of transparency of the state to both local and European authorities and to the French people,” said the Senate report to France 24.

In the report, which took place after a six -month Senate examination with more than 70 hearings, it says: “This veil is part of a conscious strategy that was addressed at the first interministerial meeting of natural mineral waters on October 14, 2021.”

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In the Senate examination, it was also emphasized that transparency was still not reached after almost four years.

Last year, a joint examination by Le Monde and Radio France showed that the water systems, which were widespread in bottles, used widespread cleaning techniques in bottles.

It also showed that the French government had been aware of this since 2021.

After a parliamentary investigation by Senator Alexandre Ouizille, the Senate report in the practices of the French water industry.

The report also found that the decision to approve the microfiltration below the 0.8 micron threshold was “at the highest level” of the government.

“At least since 2022, the presidency knew that Nestle had cheated for years,” she added 24 according to France.

Politico reported that Ouizille said during a press conference on Monday that President Emmanuel Macron, Alexis Kohler, had “met” several times “with Nestle lobbyists, and that” the Elysee was at least “aware of what happened. “

May 20, 2025 09:26 GMT+03: 00