The Vaud public prosecutor condemns Nestlé Waters to pay a compensatory claim of 500,000 francs. In question: the use of coal filters in its Henniez facilities, not in accordance with the legislation for the production of mineral water under this name.
Using coal filters in Henniez between 2008 and 2022, and in parallel by maintaining the name “natural mineral water” on bottles, Nestlé Waters “induced consumers”, said Vaudois prosecutor Eric Kaltenrieder on Wednesday in a press release.
The company has thus obtained “economic advantages by not respecting its legal obligations in terms of labeling.” It was the Office of Consumption of the State of Vaud (OFCO) which, in April 2024, denounced the subsidiary of Nestlé to the public prosecutor.
No danger for consumption
The Vaud parquet indicates that the amount of 500,000 francs takes into account “the specific circumstances of the case.” And in particular that the water produced has not presented any danger for consumers, whether before or after filtration. It also takes into account “the whole and perfect collaboration” of the management of Nestlé Waters Switzerland during the procedure.
Contacted by Keystone-ATS, a spokesperson for Nestlé Waters Switzerland noted that the company took note of the judgment. “We accept judgment and we express our regret with regard to this situation of the past,” she added.
“Henniez mineral water can-and may have-to be drunk with confidence, and its unique mineral composition, as indicated on the label, has always been preserved,” she said.
ats/vkiss
