Mineral water: the government will contact Brussels to “know its position”

By The New Obs with AFP

Published on May 21, 2025 at 5:29 p.m. , updated on May 21, 2025 at 6:48 p.m.

Google News

Reading time: 1 min.

The government announced on Wednesday, May 21, its intention to refer the matter to the European Commission to question it on a possible revision of the directive on mineral waters , the Senate commission of inquiry into the illicit treatment of certain waters having called for clarification of the regulations.

Also read

Interview Bottled Mineral Water Scandal: "The Fraud Was Covered Up at Every Political Level"

"The Ministry of Health will contact the European Commission to find out its position, as well as to question it on its intentions regarding a possible revision of the European directive defining the original purity and status of microfiltration, so that we can effectively have harmonization at the European level," announced the Minister Delegate for Trade, Véronique Louwagie, in the Senate during the session of questions to the government.

The same ministry "will issue a circular to the directors general of the ARS (regional health authorities) and to the prefects in a few days to clarify the doctrine of microfiltration," she added. "The report of the commission of inquiry also suggests that the ANSES (National Agency for Food Safety) could be contacted soon to make a scientific decision on acceptable microfiltration practices. This recommendation appears entirely relevant and the government will contact ANSES," Véronique Louwagie added.

For several years, Nestlé Waters used prohibited treatments (UV, activated carbon) on its Perrier, Hépar, and Contrex mineral waters, before obtaining public approval in 2023 for a new fine microfiltration treatment system.

Also read