Confidential documents obtained by Radio France and Le Monde reveal how Nestlé managed to obtain derogations to illegally filter its bottled water, despite health warnings and opposition from the Direction Générale de la Santé.
In an affair that has shaken the highest echelons of the French state, a vast lobbying operation led by food giant Nestlé enabled the company to circumvent regulations on natural mineral waters, despite proven health risks. Exchanges of e-mails, ministerial memos and inspection reports reveal a chain of political responsibility stretching right up to the highest levels of government.
Contamination concealed since 2021
It all began in August 2021, when Nestlé, concerned by a DGCCRF investigation, organized an initial meeting with the cabinet of Agnès Pannier-Runacher, then Minister of Industry. The company was using banned filters in its factories to treat water contaminated with fecal bacteria and other chemical pollutants.
Intensive lobbying of the highest authorities
The documents reveal successive meetings with advisors to Emmanuel Macron, Élisabeth Borne, Bruno Le Maire and other ministers. The Secretary General of the Élysée Palace, Alexis Kohler, himself received Nestlé representatives. The company steps up the pressure, notably by threatening to cut jobs.
Health authorities ignored
Despite repeated warnings from the French health authorities (Direction Générale de la Santé and Anses) about the health risks, particularly viral, and their recommendations to suspend the operation of the sources, the government gave in to Nestlé’s demands in February 2023. The company obtained authorization to use non-compliant filters, despite warnings from health experts.
A victory for lobbying at the expense of public health
The epilogue to this case illustrates the victory of industrial lobbying over public health considerations. Nestlé won its case to continue using its controversial filters, and its CEO, Muriel Lienau, was even promoted to President of Nestlé France in the process. Faced with these revelations, political leaders are now passing the buck, or claiming not to remember the details of the affair.
This affair highlights the mechanisms of influence that can be exerted at the highest levels of government, even when public health is at stake. It also raises questions about the transparency of decision-making processes and consumer protection in the face of corporate interests.
ENQUETE. Scandale des eaux en bouteille : de l’Élysée à Matignon, révélations sur le lobbying de Nestlé au sommet de l’Etat https://t.co/Eg0z9rk110
— Yves Pozzo di Borgo (@YvesPDB) February 4, 2025