MIAMI, Florida — Thousands of Gatorade bottles distributed across the United States are subject to a voluntary recall after federal regulators identified undeclared color additives in several popular varieties of the sports drink.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), PepsiCo initiated the recall on September 25, 2026, affecting approximately 122,000 cases of Gatorade.
The affected products include four varieties sold in 28-ounce bottles, with distribution extending to Florida and other states nationwide.
The recall has raised concerns among consumers, particularly those who may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to certain food color additives.
Which Gatorade Flavors Are Included in the Recall?
The recall involves four Gatorade varieties packaged in 28-ounce bottles.
These include:
- Gatorade Lemon Lime
- Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero
- Gatorade Orange
- Gatorade Orange Zero
Not every bottle of these flavors is necessarily affected. Consumers should examine the identifying lot codes and dates printed on their bottles before determining whether a product falls under the recall.
FDA Warns About Possible Health Risks From Food Dyes
The recall was initiated because the affected drinks contain Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which were not properly declared. The FDA warned that the dyes:
“may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences”
Potential reactions identified in the recall information include mild skin rashes and allergic-type asthma symptoms. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals with sensitivities to certain artificial color additives. However, the recall notice does not mean that every person consuming an affected beverage will experience an adverse reaction.
Consumers who develop breathing difficulties or other serious allergic symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Full List of Gatorade Lot Numbers Under Recall
Consumers should check the lot number and corresponding date on their bottles against the following information provided in the recall report.
| Lot Number | Printed Date |
|---|---|
| 091026 DL | JUN 07 27 |
| 091126 DL | JUN 08 27 |
| 072226 DT | APR 18 27 |
| 072426 TL | APR 20 27 |
| 073126 TL | APR 27 27 |
| 072926 TL | APR 25 27 |
| 073026 TL | APR 25 27 |
| 081026 TL | MAY 07 27 |
| 082126 OA | APR 18 27 |
| 080126 DL | APR 28 27 |
| 082026 DL | MAY 17 27 |
| 083126 DT | JUN 07 27 |
| 082526 KM | MAY 22 27 |
| 090426 KM | JUN 01 27 |
| 072726 TL | APR 23 27 |
These identifying codes are important because the recall applies to specific production lots rather than every Gatorade product currently available.
What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Gatorade?
Anyone who has purchased one of the affected flavors should check the bottle’s lot number and printed date before drinking it.
If the information matches an affected product, consumers should avoid consuming the beverage and contact the retailer or manufacturer for instructions regarding returns or refunds.
FDA-Style Recall Warning: Ground Cinnamon Pulled From Stores Over Lead Concerns
Consumers should also monitor official FDA recall information for any changes to the affected products or additional safety instructions.
The FDA maintains a public recall database containing information about products removed from the market and related safety concerns.
Why the Gatorade Recall Matters
The recall comes as food manufacturers face increased attention over the use and labeling of artificial color additives.
The FDA has been working with manufacturers to phase out several petroleum-based food dyes, including Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. PepsiCo has also committed to removing certain artificial colors from Gatorade products during 2026.
For consumers, the immediate concern is identifying potentially affected bottles and avoiding unnecessary exposure to ingredients that were not declared on the packaging.
Have you purchased Gatorade Lemon Lime or Orange recently? Check your bottles and share in the comments whether you found any of the recalled lot numbers.
