An iconic French brand dating back more than 160 years, Perrier’s reputation has been rocked by a scandal. Last year, a joint investigation by Le Monde and Radio France revealed that at least a third of the country’s mineral water brands — including Perrier, Contrex, Vittel and Hépar, owned by Nestlé Waters — had been illegally treated.

According to the investigation, French President Emmanuel Macron’s government knew about the practices and responded by “quietly” easing the regulations.

Here’s what you need to know about the Perrier scandal, and why some are calling it France’s “Water-gate.”

What’s the controversy with Perrier sparkling water?

At the heart of the controversy is whether brands such as Perrier can continue to market themselves as “natural mineral water.”

The 2024 Le

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