Chicago, Illinois — More than 122,000 cases of popular Gatorade drinks have been recalled across 37 states after the products were found to contain undeclared food dyes, according to information provided in a recall notice and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recall affects 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles, including Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Orange Zero.
PepsiCo, the parent company of Gatorade, voluntarily initiated the recall on Sept. 25 after discovering that some of the affected products contained Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, which were not properly declared on the product labeling.
Which Gatorade Products Are Affected?
The recalled drinks were distributed to retailers in 37 states, meaning consumers across a large portion of the country could potentially have the affected products in their homes.
The affected flavors include:
- Gatorade Lemon Lime
- Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero
- Gatorade Orange
- Gatorade Orange Zero
The products are packaged in 28-ounce bottles, and consumers are being urged to check the lot information printed on their bottles before drinking them.
The affected states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
FDA Classifies Recall as Class II
The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall, a category used when exposure to a recalled product could potentially cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with the probability of serious adverse effects considered relatively low.
The FDA requires color additives used in foods and other regulated products to be approved and used according to specified conditions and restrictions.
The concern in this recall centers on Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which were not declared on the affected products. For consumers with certain sensitivities, exposure to food dyes can potentially cause reactions.
What Consumers Should Do With Recalled Bottles
Anyone who has one of the recalled products should not drink it, particularly if they know they have a sensitivity to aspirin or certain yellow food dyes.
Consumers are advised to return affected bottles to the retailer where they were purchased. A refund may be available depending on the retailer’s policy.
If returning the product is not possible, consumers should dispose of the recalled drinks in a sealed trash container so they cannot be accessed by children, pets or other people.
It is important not to assume that every bottle of the four affected flavors is part of the recall. Consumers should check the specific lot number and date information printed on their bottles.
Lot Codes Consumers Should Check
The recall includes several specific lot codes and corresponding dates.
Affected products include:
- 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
Consumers should compare the information on their bottles carefully before deciding whether a product is affected.
Recall Reaches Consumers Across the Country
Because the recalled Gatorade products were distributed across 37 states, consumers may encounter the affected bottles in refrigerators, garages, vehicles or household storage.
The recall does not mean all Gatorade products are affected. The action specifically involves certain 28-ounce bottles of four flavors and identified lot codes.
Anyone who recently purchased Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange or Orange Zero Gatorade should take a moment to check the bottle information before consuming it.
Do you have any of the recalled Gatorade flavors at home? Check your bottles carefully and share this recall information with family and friends who may have purchased these products.
