In a surprising twist, High Noon has issued a recall for its popular vodka-based hard seltzer products after a significant labeling mix-up led to cans being incorrectly labeled as Celsius Astro Vibe Energy Drink, a sparkling blue razz-flavored energy drink. The mistake has triggered a nationwide recall, raising serious concerns about consumer safety and the integrity of product labeling, especially in the growing hard seltzer market.
This recall comes after it was discovered that some cans, marked as non-alcoholic energy drinks, actually contained vodka seltzer, creating potential risks for consumers who may unknowingly drink alcohol. With the recall now in effect, here’s a deep dive into what happened, what you need to know as a consumer, and what steps are being taken to prevent such errors in the future.
High Noon Recalls Vodka Seltzers
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall Initiation | Triggered after vodka-filled cans were mislabeled as energy drinks. |
| Affected Products | High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs, containing mislabeled cans. |
| Hazard Identified | Potential unintentional alcohol consumption due to labeling mix-up. |
| States Affected | Florida, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin. |
| Consumer Action | Discontinue use, check lot codes, return for full refunds. |
| Refund Process | Full refunds available for affected products. |
| Cause of Error | Shared packaging supplier mistake; empty Celsius cans shipped to High Noon. |
| Company Response | Enhanced quality control measures, clearer consumer information. |
| Health Risk | Risk of consuming alcohol unknowingly, especially for non-drinkers. |
In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in how product recalls are managed and communicated to the public. Consumers quickly share their experiences online, amplifying concerns and spreading the word faster than traditional recall methods. Amazon, High Noon, and other companies use social platforms to engage directly with customers, provide real-time updates, and encourage consumers to follow the proper return procedures.
For businesses, it’s crucial to act swiftly and use social media channels to address customer concerns and maintain transparency. This incident has shown that a company’s reputation can be heavily impacted by how effectively they manage a recall online.
What Happened: The Labeling Error
The recall was initiated when High Noon discovered that some cans of its vodka seltzers were mistakenly labeled as Celsius Astro Vibe Energy Drink. These cans, which should have contained a non-alcoholic energy drink, were actually filled with vodka-infused seltzer. The error occurred due to a shared packaging supplier who sent empty cans meant for Celsius to High Noon, which then filled them with its alcoholic beverage.
The Beach Variety 12-packs in question were mislabeled and distributed in several states, including Florida, New York, and Ohio. The cans were supposed to be energy drinks, which are marketed as containing 200 mg of caffeine per serving, but instead, they contained 4.5% alcohol by volume, significantly altering the product’s intended purpose and safety profile.
Why This Is a Big Deal: The Health and Safety Risks
Although this may seem like a simple labeling error, the consequences of this mistake could be significant, especially for certain groups of consumers. The main risk is unintentional alcohol consumption. Consumers who expected to drink an energy drink might find themselves unknowingly consuming alcohol, which could lead to various health and safety concerns.
For individuals who are underage, designated drivers, or those who avoid alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons, this mix-up presents a serious risk. Consuming alcohol without realizing it can lead to:
- Health Complications: For people on certain medications or with pre-existing conditions (such as liver disease), even small amounts of alcohol can interact negatively, leading to unwanted side effects.
- Accidents: People who consume alcohol without realizing it might engage in activities that require focus, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. This can increase the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
The Rise of Hard Seltzers and Energy Drinks
Hard seltzers like High Noon and non-alcoholic energy drinks such as Celsius have been gaining popularity in recent years. The beverage industry has seen a major shift toward these low-calorie, refreshing drinks that appeal to younger consumers and those seeking a healthy alternative to sugary sodas or alcoholic beers.
In 2020, the hard seltzer market was valued at around $4.5 billion in the U.S., and it’s only expected to grow in the coming years. Similarly, the energy drink market saw significant growth, driven by consumer demand for low-calorie and functional drinks that provide an energy boost without the excess sugar.
This boom has led to a greater need for accurate labeling and better supply chain oversight. As these beverages become staples in many households, the importance of preventing labeling errors and ensuring product safety is more critical than ever.
Identify the Recalled Products
To identify if you have purchased an affected product, check the UPC code and lot codes. The products in question are part of the Beach Variety 12-packs of High Noon vodka seltzers with the Celsius-branded labels. The relevant lot codes are:
- UPC Code: 085000040065
- Lot Codes: “LCCC170521 14:00” to “LCCC180521 03:00” (Affected codes)
If you notice that the cans you purchased have the Celsius label but contain vodka, stop drinking it immediately and follow the recall process.
Steps to Take if You Have the Recalled Product
Here’s what you should do if you have the recalled High Noon product:
Stop Using the Product Immediately
If you believe you have purchased a recalled product, discontinue use immediately. Even if you have already consumed the product, it’s important to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
Return the Product
Check the UPC code and lot number to confirm if your product is affected. You can return the recalled products to Amazon or the store where you purchased them. Amazon is offering full refunds for affected products.
Dispose of the Product Safely
If returning the product isn’t possible, dispose of the affected cans safely. Make sure they’re out of reach of children or pets.
Monitor Your Health
Keep an eye out for any health symptoms, especially if you have consumed the product. If you start feeling unwell, such as feeling light-headed, dizzy, or have trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Contact High Noon for Further Information
For a full refund and more details, reach out to High Noon Consumer Relations at their official email address. They are working diligently to resolve the issue and provide updates.
Related Links
Feds Secure $9.8 Million Whistleblower Settlement Against Illumina Over Cyber Breach
Major Employer Slashes Retiree Benefits to Save $4 Million — Thousands Affected
10 Class Action Settlements You Can Still Claim in August — Don’t Miss Your Payout
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The labeling mistake has triggered regulatory oversight by the FDA and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). These agencies are responsible for ensuring that alcoholic beverages are properly labeled and meet health standards. The recall serves as a reminder of how important it is for manufacturers to follow federal guidelines for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
High Noon and its third-party suppliers will likely face additional scrutiny from regulatory bodies. If manufacturers fail to comply with labeling regulations, they could face penalties, including fines, product bans, or even lawsuits from consumers.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my product is affected by the recall?
Check the UPC code (085000040065) and the lot codes listed in the recall notice. If your packaging matches these details, your product is affected.
2. What should I do if I’ve already consumed the affected product?
If you have already consumed the product, monitor for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell. Report any adverse reactions to Amazon and the CPSC.
3. How do I return the recalled product for a refund?
You can return the product directly to Amazon or the store where you purchased it. Amazon is offering full refunds for all affected products.
4. Is this recall affecting all High Noon products?
No, only the Beach Variety 12-packs with the incorrect labeling are affected. Other products from High Noon are safe.
5. Will this happen again?
Amazon and High Noon are implementing stricter quality control and labeling checks to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
