The lawsuit against Danone regarding Evian water labelling was dismissed.
- Danone was accused of misleading customers by calling Evian “natural”.
- The case centered on microplastics found in bottled water.
- Judge Durkin ruled that regulations focus on water source, not content.
- Microplastic levels are currently not considered harmful by authorities.
Danone faced legal action in a proposed class lawsuit that claimed the company misled consumers by labeling its Evian spring water as “natural” despite the presence of microplastics. The court found that these labels aligned with existing regulations.
The key issue was whether microplastics negated the label “natural.” Judge Thomas Durkin dismissed the lawsuit, highlighting that the FDA’s regulations classify water as spring water based on its source, not its content. Thus, according to Durkin, as long as the water is from a natural spring, it can be labeled as such, even if microplastics are present.
Durkin further noted the FDA guidelines which define “spring water” do not reference microplastics. This revelation formed a significant part of the judge’s rationale for dismissing the case. The definition focuses on the source’s natural properties rather than the water’s contents themselves.
The dismissal comes amid increasing public concern over microplastics in bottled water. Reports indicate that several well-known brands have detectable levels of these particles, often resulting from plastic packaging. Yet, the UK’s Food Standards Agency currently suggests these levels do not pose a threat to human health.
Danone declined to comment on the dismissal. In parallel, concerns over microplastics continue to trigger discussions among consumers and regulators, focusing on the implications for health and labeling standards across the beverage industry.
The lawsuit dismissal underscores the regulatory focus on water sources rather than contents.
