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Aug 5, 2025
Mislabeling Mayhem: How Supplier Quality Control Failures Sparked Scandals in Celsius and High Noon

In today’s fast-moving eCommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketplace, supplier quality control isn’t just a formality—it’s mission critical. Recent mislabeling scandals involving two of the beverage industry’s rising stars, Celsius and High Noon, highlight just how devastating quality control lapses can be. For sourcing managers, founders, and operators, these incidents are cautionary tales underscoring the importance of tight supplier management and advanced automation to prevent costly errors.
The Celsius and High Noon Mislabeling Scandals: What Went Wrong?
Both Celsius and High Noon have been thrust into the spotlight after consumers and regulators uncovered troubling mislabeling issues. Celsius products were found to contain undeclared ingredients, sparking allergen concerns and regulatory scrutiny. Similarly, High Noon faced backlash over cans mislabeled with incorrect alcohol content and flavors, leading to consumer confusion and legal risks.
These problems weren’t one-off mistakes; they stemmed from breakdowns in supplier quality control across complex supply chains. When brands outsource manufacturing and rely on multiple suppliers, the chances for miscommunication, documentation errors, and quality oversights multiply.
Why Mislabeling Is More Common Than You Think
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mislabeling accounts for nearly 10% of all food and beverage recalls annually. A 2023 industry report found that supplier errors contribute to 60% of labeling issues in packaged goods. These stats highlight a widespread challenge in the industry—one that brands like Celsius and High Noon have unfortunately fallen victim to.
Why Supplier Quality Control Matters
Supplier quality control is the backbone of product integrity. It ensures every product matches the brand promise, complies with regulations, and protects consumers. For eCommerce and DTC brands, the stakes are even higher. A single mislabeling incident can trigger expensive recalls, fines, and irreparable damage to customer trust.
The Celsius and High Noon cases expose the risks brands face when relying on manual processes or fragmented supplier oversight. Without automated, real-time quality checks and transparent supplier management, even trusted brands can find critical errors slipping through.
How Automation and AI Can Prevent Quality Control Failures
More brands are adopting AI-powered solutions to tighten supplier quality control. Automated sourcing platforms can:
Vet and onboard suppliers with verified credentials
Track compliance documents and certifications
Monitor product specs and flag discrepancies early
Provide real-time supply chain visibility
By reducing manual checks and guesswork, AI-driven systems detect risks before products hit shelves—preventing mislabeling scandals and preserving brand reputation.
Best Practices for Supplier Quality Control in eCommerce
To avoid the pitfalls experienced by Celsius and High Noon, brands should:
Vet Suppliers Thoroughly: Use automation to verify certifications and performance history.
Implement Real-Time Monitoring: Employ AI tools to catch labeling and specification anomalies immediately.
Standardize Documentation: Ensure uniform record-keeping and communication protocols.
Conduct Regular Audits: Use virtual and onsite audits to validate supplier compliance.
Foster Transparent Communication: Keep open, proactive channels with suppliers to swiftly resolve issues.
The Future of Supplier Management: AI-Powered Assurance
As supply chains grow more complex, supplier quality control will define brand success or failure. The Celsius and High Noon mislabeling scandals remind us that even minor errors can snowball into costly crises.
Embracing AI and automation in supplier management not only prevents mistakes but builds consumer trust and regulatory confidence. For brands ready to level up quality control, tools like Made AI, an AI-powered sourcing assistant, offer real-time oversight that safeguards your brand from “mislabeling mayhem.”
