Evolution de la réglementation des eaux minérales naturelles

The evolution of the mineral water regulation

Division Nationale des Eaux Minérales et Thermales, Secrétariat d'État à l'Industrie

Abstract

We known that mineral waters have been being used in France since the Gallo-Roman period. Some ordinances and patent letters of the 15th century and later show tkat the government wanted to control the spring exploitation. But the foundations of the regulation were defined in the 19th century when the bottling industry developed. The legislation firstly gives attention to the resource protection and to the spring exploitation conditions. Later, it adapts to sanitary constraints. Nowadays. it must integrate those of the European and international legislation: European directives, Codex Alimentarius standards,...