Gatorade Faces Nationwide Recall Over Undeclared Dyes
Over 122,000 cases of popular Gatorade flavors are being recalled due to the presence of undeclared Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 dyes.
Gatorade has announced a nationwide recall affecting over 122,000 cases of its sports drinks due to the presence of undeclared dyes. The recall, initiated by parent company PepsiCo on September 25, involves 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange, and Gatorade Orange Zero. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been notified of the voluntary recall.
The issue stems from the discovery that these flavors contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 dyes, which were not listed on the product labels. The FDA classifies this recall as Class II, indicating that the use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
Consumers with sensitivities or allergies to aspirin or artificial food dyes, particularly Yellow No. 5, are advised not to consume the recalled beverages. Such sensitivities can occasionally lead to mild rashes or asthma-like symptoms. The FDA mandates that all color additives used in food products must be approved and comply with specific regulations. These undeclared dyes do not meet these requirements.
The recalled products were distributed across 37 states, including 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.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are instructed to return them to the retailer for a full refund. If a refund is not possible, the product should be disposed of in a sealed trash container to prevent access by people or animals.
Specific lot codes and expiration dates for the recalled items 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
Further details regarding the recall can be found on the FDA's recall notice website.