Guests and consumers have been urged to check their cans after a recent recall by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that some units of CELSIUS® Astro Vibe Sparkling Blue Razz energy drink were incorrectly filled with vodka seltzer. The packaging error has sparked concerns over accidental alcohol ingestion and raised questions about brand accountability.
The incident has led to growing speculation that Celsius Holdings, the brand associated with the mislabelled product, could face further legal scrutiny. Although the company was not directly involved in the error, some legal experts suggest that brand association alone could make it vulnerable to consumer complaints or future litigation.
What Caused the Recall?
Between 29 and 30 July 2025, High Noon, a company owned by E&J Gallo Winery, issued a voluntary recall after discovering that two production lots of its High Noon Beach Variety pack had been mistakenly filled using Celsius-branded cans. A packaging supplier had reportedly sent unused Celsius cans to High Noon, which were then filled with vodka seltzer instead of a non-alcoholic energy drink.
Although the issue occurred in the United States, UK importers and retailers may wish to verify the integrity of any shipments received during that period. According to consumer notices, even a single sip could result in unintended alcohol consumption.
Legal Implications
Although Celsius Holdings was not directly responsible for the recent recall, the incident has renewed scrutiny of the company's branding and legal exposure. Celsius previously faced a class-action lawsuit over labelling practices, specifically the claim that its drinks contained 'no preservatives' despite including citric acid, an ingredient commonly used both for flavour and preservation.
Celsius maintained that the citric acid was used solely for flavouring, but chose to settle the lawsuit. As reported by CBS News, consumers who purchased Celsius drinks or mixes between 1 January 2015 and 23 November 2022 were eligible for payouts of up to $250 with proof of purchase, or $20 without.
The company also made headlines in January 2023, when a South Florida jury awarded rapper Flo Rida $82.6 million in damages, ruling that Celsius had breached a contract in which he had served as a brand ambassador, AP News reported.
My husband drinks these and is also sober so this would not be good at all
— Audrey🪩Tortured Millennial✌🏻 (@Motherofrebels_) July 30, 2025
If I crack open my morning celcius, and it’s a high noon, I’m suing😃 https://t.co/l4LdjL0I1e
— Kassie 💍 (@KassiesVersion) July 30, 2025
How to Identify Affected Products
Consumers are advised to check for silver-lidded cans, which differ from the usual black-lidded packaging used by Celsius. The affected products are linked to lot codes L CCB 02JL25 2:55 to 3:11, L CCC 17JL25 14:00 to 23:59, L CCC 18JL25 00:00 to 03:00 and were distributed to retailers in Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin between 21 and 23 July.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date, but High Noon has urged customers to dispose of the cans and contact its customer service for a refund, according to the BBC.
Regulatory Oversight and Response
The recall is being overseen by both the FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, after High Noon discovered that a shared third‑party can supplier had inadvertently shipped empty Celsius cans. High Noon confirmed the incident involved a small batch of products and has proactively contacted distributors and consumers. Celsius Holdings reiterated it had no involvement in the mis-fill and is supporting the ongoing recall efforts.
At present, the recall appears limited to specific US states, with no confirmed distribution of the affected products in the UK. Both High Noon and Celsius Holdings have issued statements clarifying their positions, and regulatory agencies including the FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau continue to oversee the situation. While legal outcomes remain unclear, the incident has prompted calls for closer scrutiny of packaging processes and supply chain controls.
