PepsiCo Recalls 122,000 Cases of Gatorade Over Undeclared Food Dyes
More than 122,000 cases of Gatorade are subject to a voluntary recall across 37 states because the 28-ounce bottles contain undeclared artificial food dyes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The affected beverages—comprising Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange, and Gatorade Orange Zero—were found to include Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, or both, without listing the additives on the product packaging, as abcnews.com reported.
Distribution Across 37 States and Affected Lot Numbers
The voluntary recall impacts products distributed to 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, and Wisconsin, according to WLKY.
The affected 28-ounce bottles bear expiration dates spanning from April 2027 to June 2027 and specific lot codes located on the bottom or side of the packaging, as detailed by News4JAX. WLKY published the complete list of covered lot numbers:
- Lot 072226 DT — April 18, 2027
- Lot 072426 TL — April 20, 2027
- Lot 072726 TL — April 23, 2027
- Lot 072926 TL — April 25, 2027
- Lot 073026 TL — April 25, 2027
- Lot 073126 TL — April 27, 2027
- Lot 080126 DL — April 28, 2027
- Lot 081026 TL — May 7, 2027
- Lot 082026 DL — May 17, 2027
- Lot 082126 OA — April 18, 2027
- Lot 082526 KM — May 22, 2027
- Lot 083126 DT — June 7, 2027
- Lot 090426 KM — June 1, 2027
- Lot 091026 DL — June 7, 2027
- Lot 091126 DL — June 8, 2027
FDA Classifies PepsiCo Recall as Class II Risk
PepsiCo initiated the recall on September 25, 2026, and the FDA classified the action as a Class II recall on October 2, 2026, according to abcnews.com. A Class II classification indicates that exposure to or consumption of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and that the probability of serious adverse health effects is remote, as reported by abcnews.com. The FDA stated that side effects from these specific food dyes are uncommon in the general population but can include a mild rash or allergic-type asthma, particularly among individuals with existing sensitivities to aspirin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology noted that allergic reactions to food dyes remain rare overall, though ingredients like Yellow No. 5 can trigger itching and hives in sensitive individuals, according to WLKY.
PepsiCo Conducts Voluntary Recall of Sports Drinks
PepsiCo, headquartered in Purchase, New York, carried out the recall voluntarily while the enforcement remains ongoing, News4JAX reported. Outlets including abcnews.com and The Guardian reported that PepsiCo did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the recall. CBS News reported that it remains unknown whether refunds are available for customers who purchased the impacted sports drinks, according to The Guardian. Consumers seeking further details can review the complete list of lot dates and state distribution networks on the official FDA website, or contact PepsiCo directly with questions or concerns.
Worth a look