A Crisis in France -- Bottled water may not be what it's advertised to be

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France's mineral water industry, particularly brands like Perrier, faces scrutiny over environmental concerns and climate change impacts. A key issue is whether these brands can maintain their "natural mineral water" designation amid revelations of illicit filtration practices used to address water contamination fears linked to prolonged droughts. The discussion highlights the perceived artificiality of the mineral water market, where bottled water is sold at exorbitant prices despite the availability of safe tap water in France. Comparisons are drawn to Nestlé's controversial history, including allegations of labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and unethical practices in water sourcing and marketing. The conversation emphasizes the broader implications of industrialization and the ethical considerations surrounding bottled water consumption.
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In a BBC article:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvn3qe0jpgo

France's multi-billion euro mineral water companies are under the spotlight because of climate change and growing concerns about the industry's environmental impact.
At issue is whether some world-famous brands, notably the iconic Perrier label, can even continue calling themselves "natural mineral water".
A decision in the Perrier case is due in the coming months. It follows revelations in the French media about illicit filtration systems that have been widely used in the industry, apparently because of worries about water contamination, after years of drought linked to climate change.
 
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My issue with the whole mineral water industry is not that they filter or disinfect water. It is the whole artificial mystery around 'mineral water' what allows the selling of drinking water at thousandfold price, with quite the associated environmental footprint.

As far as I know, tap water in France is generally safe to drink and is good quality.
 
It’s the way of industrialization: materials cost peanuts compared to expertise to design, build, test and market the product.
 
Sorry to laugh, but this strikes me as a very first world problem.
It also reminds me of when Nestle tried to get water rights in a tiny town in my state as a source of "well water".
In order to get my facts straight, I Googled and found the wiki article titled; "Controversies of Nestlé".
Wow....

  • forced labour
  • modern slavery
  • child labour
  • incidents of contaminated and infested food products
  • preventing access to non-bottled water in impoverished countries
  • issues around animal welfare commitments
  • actively spreading disinformation about recycling
  • illegal water-pumping from drought-stricken Native American reservations
  • price fixing
  • extensive union-busting activity
  • deforestation
  • lobbying to support misinformation about infant and women's nutrition.

A veritable laundry list of crimes by BIG CHOCOLATE!
 
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