In a move that has drawn national attention, High Noon Vodka Seltzer issued a recall announcement for certain Beach Variety Packs after discovering that vodka seltzer alcohol products had been mislabeled as Celsius energy drinks, including the Celsius Astro Vibe Sparkling Blue Razz Edition. This serious labeling error created confusion among consumers and raised urgent concerns about unintentional alcohol ingestion and regulatory compliance.
The company acknowledged a packaging error caused by a shared packaging supplier, leading to canned vodka seltzer being distributed with branding closely resembling that of nonalcoholic energy drink products like the CELSIUS® ASTRO VIBE™ Energy Drink.
What Happened?
The affected products were part of High Noon Beach Variety packs,specifically, the Beach Variety 12-packs,and reportedly included the Sparkling Blue Razz flavor. The lot codes, lot numbers, and UPC codes associated with these packages were disclosed in a recall notice by High Noon Consumer Relations, following multiple consumer complaints and internal reviews.
Alarmingly, the liquid inside the mislabeled cocktail cans was a boozy seltzer product with ABV vodka, not a blue-raspberry-flavored energy drink as the labels indicated. The silver lid cans were nearly indistinguishable from authentic Celsius Astro Vibe beverages, leading to serious consumer confusion, especially in states like New York and South Carolina where the products were heavily distributed.
Why This Matters
This recall is not simply about aesthetics. Mislabeling vodka seltzer alcohol as a Celsius Astro Vibe drink presents real health and legal risks. Consumers who expected a caffeine-based midafternoon jolt may have unknowingly consumed alcohol. For vulnerable populations,like minors, pregnant individuals, or people with medical conditions,unintentional alcohol ingestion can lead to severe consequences.
Even worse, someone abstaining from alcohol for religious, legal, or health reasons may have violated their values or even put themselves in danger,all because of a labeling error created during a production line mix-up.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
This case falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (also referred to as the Food and Drug Administration) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Both agencies have stringent regulations about beverage labeling, and the presence of alcohol in energy drink-style packaging is a major red flag.
Such mistakes can lead to:
- Regulatory fines
- Product bans
- Enhanced scrutiny from federal and state authorities
- Potential civil litigation
Consumers affected by this incident may consider pursuing legal action, especially if the mislabeling caused health issues or psychological harm.
Could You Sue Over This?
In the realm of consumer protection, there are several legal arguments that could support a claim:
- Negligence – If the packaging supplier or brand failed to maintain labeling accuracy, they may be held responsible.
- Failure to Warn – Alcohol-containing products must disclose contents clearly. Any omission creates liability.
- Product Liability – The beverage may not be defective, but the recall warning suggests it was distributed under false pretenses.
If you’ve been harmed or misled, consult a legal professional to explore your options.
How Recalls Like This Happen
According to the recall announcement, the issue stemmed from a shared packaging supplier that mistakenly printed Celsius Astro Vibe labels on vodka seltzer alcohol cans during a multi-product run on a production line. The lot codes were used to trace affected batches, and a market withdrawal was issued once the issue was discovered.
The overlap between High Noon Vodka Seltzer and Celsius energy cans due to poor manufacturing control has raised broader concerns about machine learning or AI-driven quality control in beverage factories.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Young consumers (particularly Generation Z) misled by viral sensation branding and bold, vibrant designs
- People on medication that reacts negatively with alcohol
- Individuals avoiding alcohol for recovery or religious reasons
- Drivers who could unknowingly breach DUI laws
- Parents whose children might accidentally consume the mislabeled product
Regulatory Oversight: Too Little, Too Late?
This incident underscores the need for better oversight. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are increasingly pushing for reform after cases like this. Some federal lawmakers have even cited this recall in debates over food and beverage safety protocols.
The overlap in appearance between Celsius Astro Vibe Sparkling Tropical Vibe and vodka seltzer alcohol drinks has shown how branding can dangerously blur lines.
Media and Market Reactions
Outlets like The Claman Countdown and analysts like Rob Wile have reported on the Hot Stocks impact of this recall. Shares of parent companies took a hit. Public trust, meanwhile, continues to erode. Many consumers who once trusted the Beach Variety Packs series are now hesitant.
Consumer Guidance
- Check lot numbers and UPC code before consuming products
- Report issues to High Noon Consumer Relations or the Food and Drug Administration
- Avoid silver lid cans from the Beach Variety 12-packs until the issue is resolved
- Save packaging for legal claims if health effects occur
- Stay informed via verified Market News sources
Lessons for the Industry
This isn’t just about banana peels and cream pies,mistakes in branding, labeling, and logistics can have human consequences. The beverage industry must re-evaluate its packaging supplier relationships and introduce more rigorous checks to prevent such errors.
Final Thoughts
This recall serves as a cautionary tale for both brands and consumers. Mislabeling a vodka seltzer alcohol drink as a blue-raspberry-flavored energy drink is more than a technical error. It’s a health risk, a breach of trust, and a legal liability. Until the industry adopts better safety protocols, such incidents will continue to arise,putting people at risk.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, we remain committed to tracking critical developments like this recall to ensure consumers are empowered with the knowledge they need .We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Whether you’re navigating the legal implications of mislabeled products or simply trying to stay safe, we believe awareness is the first step toward accountability. Contact us today for a free consultation
