• PepsiCo voluntarily recalled 122,021 cases of Gatorade in 37 states after the FDA discovered Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 dyes weren't labeled on four varieties of the beverage.
  • The undisclosed yellow food dyes can trigger allergic reactions including asthma attacks, hives, itching, and skin lesions in sensitive individuals, prompting the Class II health designation.
  • Affected 28 oz. Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero bottles with specific lot numbers dating April-June 2027 should not be consumed; contact retailers for refund information.

If you’re a Gatorade fan, check your fridge ASAP.

On October 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an enforcement report announcing that PepsiCo, Inc., is voluntarily recalling 122,021 cases of four varieties of Gatorade in 37 states. The reason for the recall: the beverages contain Yellow No. 6 and/or Yellow No. 5 food dyes, but that’s not specified on the product label. The recall was initiated on September 25 and is ongoing.

The FDA has given this recall a Class II designation, which means that if you use or are exposed to a recalled product, you could suffer temporary, treatable health problems, but that it’s improbable that you’d suffer any serious medical issues.

Recalled products

The following flavors and sizes are impacted:

  • 28 oz Gatorade Lemon Lime
  • 28 oz Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero
  • 28 oz Gatorade Orange
  • 28 oz. Gatorade Orange Zero

Lot numbers:

  • Lot 091026 DL - JUN 07 27
  • Lot 091126 DL - JUN 08 27
  • Lot 072226 DT - APR 18 27
  • Lot 072426 TL - APR 20 27
  • Lot 073126 TL - APR 27 27
  • Lot 072926 TL - APR 25 27
  • Lot 073026 TL - APR 25 27
  • Lot 081026 TL - MAY 07 27
  • Lot 082126 OA - APR 18 27
  • Lot 080126 DL - APR 28 27
  • Lot 082026 DL - MAY 17 27
  • Lot 083126 DT - JUN 07 27
  • Lot 082526 KM - MAY 22 27
  • Lot 090426 KM - JUN 01 27
  • Lot 072726 TL - APR 23 27

Additives like Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 give food and drinks their artificial color. While the dyes themselves aren't banned, the issue is that they weren't listed on the label. That could pose a risk for people who are allergic to the dyes, who may experience reactions such as asthma attacks or itching and hives.

The FDA enforcement report doesn’t state whether any consumers have reported health issues linked to drinking the recalled Gatorade.

States where the recall is happening

The recalled products were sold in:

  • Alaska
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

What to do if you bought the recalled Gatorade

Don’t drink it. If you have already, and you experience any symptoms, call your health care provider. The enforcement report doesn’t include any information about whether consumers can obtain refunds for the recalled Gatorade products, but you can contact the retailer where you bought it to find out its policy.