Gatorade Recall Due to Undeclared Dyes

Gatorade consumers have been left seeking clarity after a significant recall. Over 122,000 cases of the popular sports drink have been pulled from shelves across 37 states due to the discovery of undeclared color additives.

The specific recall involves 122,021 cases of 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade in flavors like Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

PepsiCo, the parent company, initiated the recall on September 25 upon finding that these products contained Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, which had not been declared on the labels.

Color additives used in food and beverages must receive FDA approval before being included, and they must meet certain specifications and restrictions set by the agency.

The FDA has categorized this situation as a Class II recall. This classification indicates a moderate chance for serious health consequences for consumers, which is concerning.

If you happen to have one of the affected bottles, it’s advisable not to consume it—especially if you have sensitivities or allergies to aspirin or yellow food dyes. These dyes can sometimes lead to mild rashes or even asthma-like symptoms.

Shoppers should return the recalled products to the retailer for a full refund. If returning seems challenging, it’s safer to dispose of them in a sealed trash bag to prevent access from pets and wildlife.

The affected Gatorade products were distributed widely across numerous states, including Alaska, Alabama, California, Florida, Texas, and others. This recall covers quite a large geographic area, which is likely to affect many consumers.

While the FDA hasn’t released an official statement, more detailed information is available through their recall notice.

Here’s a brief list of the lot numbers to watch for:

• Lot 091026 DL – June 7, 2027
• Lot 091126 DL – June 8, 2027
• Lot 072226 DT – April 18, 2027
• Lot 072426 TL – April 20, 2027
• Lot 073126 TL – April 27, 2027
• Lot 072926 TL – April 25, 2027
• Lot 073026 TL – April 25, 2027
• Lot 081026 TL – May 7, 2027
• Lot 082126 OA – April 18, 2027
• Lot 080126 DL – April 28, 2027
• Lot 082026 DL – May 17, 2027
• Lot 083126 DT – June 7, 2027
• Lot 082526 KM – May 22, 2027
• Lot 090426 KM – June 1, 2027
• Lot 072726 TL – April 23, 2027