Étalle, Belgium – Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into Nestlé Group’s mineral water production processes, leading to a search of the Valvert factory in Étalle on Tuesday.
The inquiry, confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office, mirrors ongoing legal proceedings in France against Nestlé Waters over alleged illegal filtration methods.
According to reports from multiple Belgian media outlets and the AFP news agency, the probe is part of broader scrutiny over water bottling practices within the company.
Nestlé Waters, a subsidiary of Nestlé Group, owns several prominent mineral water brands, including Vittel, Contrex, and Perrier.
In France, the company is facing lawsuits related to concerns that it may have used unauthorized filtration techniques to bottle water, raising regulatory and environmental concerns.
The Belgian investigation aims to determine whether similar practices have occurred at Nestlé’s Valvert plant in Étalle.
Officials have not yet disclosed specific details about the nature of the inquiry or any potential regulatory breaches. However, authorities are reportedly examining compliance with Belgium’s stringent water safety and labeling regulations.
Nestlé Waters Benelux has responded to the developments, stating that it is fully cooperating with authorities.
The company reassured consumers that “all our waters are completely safe to consume, and their mineral composition corresponds to the information on the labels.”
Nestlé emphasized its commitment to transparency and regulatory adherence, asserting that its production methods meet the required safety and quality standards.
The scrutiny in Belgium follows mounting pressure on the bottled water industry regarding resource management, environmental impact, and consumer transparency.
In recent years, Nestlé Waters has faced criticism from environmental groups over water extraction practices, particularly concerning groundwater depletion and sustainability concerns in various regions.
Belgium’s regulatory framework for bottled water production includes strict oversight of water sources, purification methods, and labeling accuracy.
If any discrepancies are found in the Valvert factory’s operations, Nestlé could face legal repercussions similar to those in France, where authorities have accused the company of breaching permitted filtration protocols.
Consumer rights organizations and environmental activists have welcomed the Belgian probe, calling for greater transparency in the bottled water industry.
“Ensuring that mineral water production complies with legal standards is crucial for public health and environmental protection,” said a spokesperson for a Belgian consumer advocacy group.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will likely analyze production records, water treatment processes, and potential environmental impacts linked to the Valvert facility.
It remains unclear whether the probe will extend to other Nestlé Waters plants in Belgium or other parts of Europe.
For now, the company continues to maintain that its products are safe and compliant with all applicable regulations. However, as legal scrutiny intensifies, the outcome of the Belgian investigation could have significant implications for Nestlé Waters’ operations across the region.
Authorities have not provided a timeline for the probe’s conclusion, but further developments are expected in the coming weeks as regulatory bodies assess Nestlé’s compliance with Belgian and European mineral water production laws.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
