Nestlé's bottled mineral water brands, including Perrier, Vittel, Contrex, and Hépar, face significant regulatory challenges as authorities in France have issued formal notices demanding compliance with natural mineral water purity regulations.

On May 7, 2025, Jérôme Bonet, the Prefect of Gard, ordered the multinational food company to cease the use of 0.2-micron filters at its Perrier bottling facility in Vergèze, citing conflicts with current regulations regarding the natural purity of mineral waters.

The company has been granted a two-month period to remove these filters.

In a similar directive, the Prefecture of Vosges has issued an identical ultimatum to Nestlé for its Vittel site, which produces not only Vittel but also the Contrex and Hépar brands.

According to official statements, the Prefect of Gard confirmed that "the Perrier bottles sold to date present no health risk to consumers."

Nestlé has expressed determination to find viable solutions in response to the requirements of the Prefects of Gard and Vosges.

The company reported that a "technical solution has been identified for the Vosges site" concerning the brands Contrex and Hépar, noting that Vittel does not utilize this specific type of microfiltration.

This proposed solution is pending validation by the relevant authorities.

Similarly, discussions are ongoing regarding finding a technical solution for the Vergèze facility to potentially allow for the continued operation of Perrier's natural mineral water source.

The developments come amid increasing scrutiny of bottled water operations and the regulatory frameworks that govern them, particularly in Europe where natural resource management has become a pressing issue.