Overview
- Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the investigation on Thursday to review Celsius Holdings and its Alani Nu brand for possible deceptive marketing that targets children and teenagers.
- The inquiry follows a wrongful‑death lawsuit by the family of 17‑year‑old Larissa Rodriguez, who they say died of an enlarged heart linked to repeated Alani Nu consumption.
- Each 12‑ounce Alani Nu can lists about 200 milligrams of caffeine, a level medical experts and the NIH warn can raise heart rate, cause palpitations and be unsafe for minors.
- Paxton’s office says the brand’s colorful cans, playful design and social media reach may appeal to young consumers while on‑package warnings typically name only caffeine amounts without age or heart‑health advisories.
- The probe is investigatory with no set timeline and Celsius has not issued an immediate public response; the case highlights how state actions and civil suits are often used to address energy‑drink risks because federal age limits are not uniform.