A Senate inquiry revealed that the French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, covered up illegal treatments used by Nestlé on mineral water brands like Perrier, Contrex, Vittel, and Hépar. These treatments, aimed at preventing contamination, are prohibited under French and European law. The report criticized both Nestlé and the government for a lack of transparency and noted a deliberate concealment strategy since 2021. Nestlé acknowledged using these treatments and paid a €2 million fine. The fraud is estimated to exceed €3 billion, with no proven health harm to consumers.