Gatorade Recall 2026: Over 122,000 Cases Affected by Undeclared Yellow Dyes

A large Gatorade recall has been announced after more than 122,000 cases of selected beverages were found to contain food dyes that were not properly declared on their labels, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall involves several popular Gatorade flavors sold in 28-ounce bottles, including Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero. The affected products were distributed across 37 states in the United States.

The FDA classified the recall as a Class II recall, meaning the products could potentially cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, although the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.

Which Gatorade Products Are Included in the Recall?

According to the FDA enforcement report, the recall applies to specific lots of several Gatorade varieties. Consumers should not assume that every bottle of the affected flavors is part of the recall.

The products involved include:

• Gatorade Lemon Lime
• Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero
• Gatorade Orange
• Gatorade Orange Zero

The recalled beverages were packaged in 28-ounce bottles. The FDA reported that 15 lot codes are included in the recall.

Expiration dates for the affected products range from April 18, 2027, through June 8, 2027.

The recalled Gatorade products were distributed in 37 states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Consumers who have these products at home should check the packaging carefully against the lot information provided by the FDA before consuming them.

Why Was Gatorade Recalled?

The issue involves undeclared food coloring ingredients.

Certain recalled Gatorade products contain Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, or both dyes, but those ingredients were not properly declared on the product labels.

Yellow No. 5 is also known as tartrazine, while Yellow No. 6 is known as Sunset Yellow FCF. Both are synthetic food color additives that are used to provide yellow, orange, and related colors to food and beverages.

The FDA permits the use of these color additives in foods when they comply with applicable requirements. However, color additives must be identified on food labels so consumers can determine what ingredients are present in a product.

This labeling requirement is particularly important for people who may be sensitive to certain food additives.

When Did the Recall Begin?

PepsiCo initially began a voluntary withdrawal of the affected products on September 25, according to the FDA notice.

The FDA subsequently classified the recall as Class II on October 2.

A Class II recall is used when exposure to a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or when the possibility of serious health effects is considered remote.

The classification does not mean that consumers who drank the affected beverages will necessarily become sick. Instead, it reflects the FDA's assessment of the potential risk associated with the recalled products.

PepsiCo was contacted for additional information concerning the labeling problem and the circumstances that led to the recall.

Are Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 Dangerous?

Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are approved food color additives in the United States. However, some people can experience adverse reactions to food color additives.

The FDA states that reactions to color additives are uncommon. The agency has also noted that Yellow No. 5 may cause itching and hives in some sensitive individuals.

Because individual reactions can vary, consumers who know they are sensitive to particular food additives should pay close attention to ingredient labels.

The current Gatorade recall is primarily related to undeclared ingredients on the labels rather than an announcement that these approved color additives are universally unsafe.

What Does the Research Say About Artificial Food Dyes?

Artificial food dyes have received increased attention in recent years, particularly because of questions about their potential effects on children.

Research into the long-term health effects of synthetic food coloring remains an evolving area. Some studies have reported possible associations between artificial food dyes and behavioral changes, including increased hyperactivity among some children.

However, research findings do not mean that every child will experience these effects after consuming foods or beverages containing artificial colors.

Consumers should distinguish between established regulatory information and ongoing scientific research. The FDA continues to evaluate food additives based on available scientific evidence.

FDA Plans to Reduce Petroleum-Based Food Dyes

The Gatorade recall comes amid broader discussion in the United States about synthetic food dyes.

In April 2025, the FDA announced plans to work with food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply.

Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are among the synthetic dyes included in the broader discussion.

The initiative has encouraged manufacturers to explore alternatives derived from more natural sources. According to the FDA, the food industry has committed to removing petroleum-based food dyes from products by the end of 2027.

The development has placed additional attention on food labeling, ingredient transparency, and the use of synthetic color additives in commonly consumed products.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have Gatorade Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, or Orange Zero at home, check the bottle and packaging carefully.

Do not assume that every bottle of these flavors has been recalled. The recall applies to specific lots, so consumers should compare their products with the official FDA recall information.

If your product matches the affected lot information, avoid consuming it and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or FDA.

People who experience an unexpected reaction after consuming a food or beverage should consider speaking with a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are significant or persistent.

Consumers can also monitor the FDA's official recall database for updates and additional information.

Why Food Labeling Matters

Food labels serve an important role in helping consumers make informed decisions about what they eat and drink.

For people with allergies, sensitivities, dietary restrictions, or other concerns, an undeclared ingredient can make it difficult to determine whether a product is appropriate for them.

That is why even a labeling issue involving an approved ingredient can result in a product recall.

The Gatorade case also demonstrates why consumers should pay attention to product recalls even when a food or beverage is a familiar brand.

Bottom Line

More than 122,000 cases of selected Gatorade products have been recalled after the FDA identified undeclared Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 in certain lots.

The affected beverages include specific 28-ounce bottles of Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero. The products were distributed across 37 states, and 15 lot codes are included in the recall.

The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, indicating that serious health consequences are considered unlikely, although temporary or medically reversible effects may be possible.

Consumers should check the lot information on their Gatorade bottles and consult the FDA's official recall information before consuming a product that may be affected.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical, dietary, or legal advice. Product recall information can change as regulators and manufacturers release updates. Consumers should consult the official FDA recall notice and product manufacturer for the most current information. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.