The Case That Could Pull Perrier Water Off Shelves

A French court is set to rule on whether Perrier must withdraw its bottled water from the market after consumer group UFC-Que Choisir accused the famous brand of misleading shoppers by marketing its products as “natural” mineral water despite using unauthorized treatments to remove contamination.

The controversy began after French media revealed that multiple mineral water producers—including Nestlé-owned Perrier—had secretly used illegal purification methods for years, a practice later confirmed by a Senate inquiry that accused the government of concealing the issue.

Nestlé acknowledges using treatments in the past but says it has switched to microfiltration, a process it argues preserves mineral content and ensures safety.

UFC-Que Choisir disputes this, claiming microfiltration remains unauthorized and suggests Perrier water may present health risks.

As Nestlé denies all allegations, the decision expected from the Nanterre judicial tribunal could determine the future of one of the world’s most iconic bottled-water brands.