Brussels detects serious shortcomings in bottled water controls in France

The system put in place by France to control bottled water is marred by "serious shortcomings" and does not guarantee the absence of fraudulent products on the shelves, the European Commission estimated in an audit published on Wednesday. Brussels initiated this procedure after press reports in January suggesting possible infringements in the natural mineral water sector, and organized a mission lasting around ten days in March. According to its conclusions, there is indeed a control system for natural mineral waters and spring waters in France with adequate procedures and laboratory testing capabilities. But "as a whole, the official control system does not effectively verify that the natural mineral waters placed on the market meet the legal requirements in force", estimates the audit. The system "is not designed to detect or mitigate fraud in the natural mineral water and spring water sector nor is it properly implemented, making possible the presence on the market of ...