Nestlé Unit Settles French Criminal Allegations with €2 Million Payment

A unit of Nestlé SA has agreed to pay €2 million ($2.2 million) to settle criminal allegations in France related to its production of natural mineral water. The settlement, approved by a judge in Epinal, eastern France, concludes two investigations into Nestlé Waters Supply Est (NWSE). As part of the deal, NWSE admitted no guilt but will also undertake a €1.1 million restoration plan and pay €500,000 in compensation to several associations that had filed complaints.

The settlement has been criticized by consumer advocacy groups, including Foodwatch, which accused the company of escaping accountability. Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch, condemned the decision, stating, “This is a scandalous decision that sends a nasty message about the climate of impunity: Nestlé Waters can deceive consumers for years around the world and get away with it by simply pulling out the checkbook.”

Nestlé, however, emphasized that there was no harm to public health from its previous operations and noted that since 2023, all activities of NWSE comply with the latest regulatory standards. The company reiterated that the treatments conducted did not alter the mineral composition of the waters.

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