A Gatorade recall is affecting more than 122,000 cases of the popular sports drink in the United States. PepsiCo voluntarily recalled 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles because some products contain food dyes that were not declared on their ingredient labels. The recall involves specific flavors, sizes, production codes, and best-taste dates.
The affected products include Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime, Gatorade Orange, and Gatorade Orange Zero. The Lemon Lime products contain undeclared Yellow No. 5, while the Orange products contain undeclared Yellow No. 6. The issue is related to labeling rather than a general recall of all Gatorade products.
The recall was initiated by PepsiCo on September 25, 2026, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class II recall on October 2, 2026. Consumers should check the bottle size, flavor, production code, and best-taste date before drinking an affected product.
What Is the Gatorade Recall About?
The current Gatorade recall is connected to a labeling discrepancy. Certain 28-ounce bottles contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, but those color additives were not properly declared on the ingredient panel.
The FDA requires approved color additives to be properly identified on food labels. Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are approved color additives, but consumers still need accurate ingredient information, especially if they have a known sensitivity.
This means the recall does not indicate that every Gatorade product is unsafe. It applies only to specific products and production codes listed by the company.
Which Gatorade Flavors Are Recalled?
The recall covers four Gatorade products:
| Recalled product | Bottle size | Undeclared color |
| Gatorade Lemon Lime | 28 oz | Yellow No. 5 |
| Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime | 28 oz | Yellow No. 5 |
| Gatorade Orange | 28 oz | Yellow No. 6 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange | 28 oz | Yellow No. 6 |
Only the specific products and codes listed in the recall notice are affected. Other Gatorade products are not part of this particular recall.
How Many Gatorade Cases Were Recalled?
The recall involves 122,021 cases of Gatorade.
The affected drinks were distributed across 37 U.S. states. The products involved are 28-ounce single-serve bottles rather than every bottle size sold under the Gatorade brand.
Because the recall applies to specific production codes, consumers should not assume that every Lemon Lime or Orange Gatorade bottle is recalled.
Gatorade Recall Lot Numbers and Best-Taste Dates
One of the most important parts of this recall is checking the production code printed on the bottle or package.
The official Gatorade notice lists these affected products and codes:
| Product | Best Taste Date | Production Code |
| Gatorade Lemon Lime 28 oz | JUN 07 27 | DL 091026 |
| Gatorade Lemon Lime 28 oz | JUN 08 27 | DL 091126 |
| Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime 28 oz | APR 18 27 | DT 072226 |
| Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime 28 oz | APR 20 27 | TL 072426 |
| Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime 28 oz | APR 27 27 | TL 073126 |
| Gatorade Orange 28 oz | APR 18 27 | OA 082126 |
| Gatorade Orange 28 oz | APR 18 27 | OA 082326 |
| Gatorade Orange 28 oz | APR 25 27 | TL 072926 |
| Gatorade Orange 28 oz | APR 25 27 | TL 073026 |
| Gatorade Orange 28 oz | MAY 07 27 | TL 081026 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | APR 23 27 | TL 072726 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | APR 28 27 | DL 080126 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | MAY 17 27 | DL 082026 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | MAY 22 27 | KM 082526 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | JUN 01 27 | KM 090426 |
| Gatorade Zero Orange 28 oz | JUN 07 27 | DT 083126 |
The official Gatorade recall notice should be used as the final reference when checking a product because recall information can be updated.
Which States Are Included in the Gatorade Recall?
The recalled Gatorade products were distributed in 37 states.
The affected states are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
The distribution list comes from the current recall information reported from FDA enforcement data.
Why Was Gatorade Recalled?
The reason for the recall is undeclared food coloring.
Gatorade Lemon Lime and Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime products included Yellow No. 5 that was not properly declared on the ingredient panel. Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Zero Orange products included Yellow No. 6 that was also not declared as required.
The problem is therefore primarily a labeling issue. The dyes themselves are approved for use in foods and beverages by the FDA. However, accurate labeling is important because some people may need to avoid specific ingredients because of sensitivity or previous reactions.
What Are Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6?
Yellow No. 5, also called tartrazine, is an FDA-approved color additive used in various foods and beverages.
Yellow No. 6, also called Sunset Yellow FCF, is another approved color additive used to provide or enhance yellow or orange coloring.
The FDA lists both Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 among certified color additives approved for certain food uses.
These ingredients are not automatically dangerous simply because they are involved in a recall. The concern in this case is that they were present without being properly declared on the affected labels.
Is the Gatorade Recall Because of Contamination?
No. The available recall information describes the problem as a labeling discrepancy involving undeclared color additives.
This is different from a recall caused by bacteria, foreign objects, or another type of contamination. The affected products contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 that were not listed correctly on the label.
Consumers should still take the recall seriously and avoid drinking a bottle if its product details match the affected codes.
Is Recalled Gatorade Dangerous?
The FDA classified the recall as Class II.
A Class II recall means the use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.
Reports about the recall note that reactions to these dyes can include mild rash or allergic-type asthma in susceptible people. Such reactions are uncommon in the general population.
People who already know they are sensitive to Yellow No. 5 or Yellow No. 6 have a particular reason to check the product carefully.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Gatorade?
If you have Gatorade at home, check the bottle before drinking it.
Look at these details:
- Flavor
- Bottle size
- Production code
- Best-taste date
If all of the details match the recalled product information, do not drink it.
Set the product aside and follow the latest instructions from Gatorade or the FDA regarding the recall. Keep the bottle or packaging available if you need the production information when contacting the company.
Should You Throw Away Recalled Gatorade?
Consumers should not drink a Gatorade product that matches the recalled production codes.
The safest approach is to follow the current instructions provided by Gatorade or the FDA for handling the recalled product. The exact refund or replacement process may depend on the retailer and the company’s updated recall instructions.
At the time of current reporting, information about refunds was not yet clearly confirmed publicly.
Does the Recall Affect All Gatorade Products?
No.
This is an important point for consumers.
The official Gatorade notice specifically says that the recall affects certain 28-ounce single-serve products of Lemon Lime, Zero Lemon Lime, Orange, and Zero Orange. It also states that no other Gatorade products are part of this action.
Therefore, consumers should not assume that every Gatorade flavor, bottle size, or product has been recalled.
Is Gatorade Zero Included in the Recall?
Yes.
Two Gatorade Zero products are included:
- Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime
- Gatorade Zero Orange
The affected products are specific 28-ounce bottles with particular production codes and best-taste dates.
Other Gatorade Zero products are not automatically included simply because they carry the Gatorade Zero name.
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What Does the Gatorade Recall Mean for Consumers?
For most consumers, the main lesson is to check the label and production code rather than panic about all Gatorade products.
The recall is limited to specific products and codes. The FDA’s Class II classification also indicates that serious health consequences are considered remote.
People with known sensitivities should be especially careful because accurate ingredient labeling helps them avoid ingredients that may cause reactions.
When Did the Gatorade Recall Start?
PepsiCo initiated the voluntary recall on September 25, 2026.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II on October 2, 2026. Current reporting on October 5, 2026, said the recall remained ongoing.
This timeline is useful because consumers may have purchased the affected drinks before the recall became widely known.
What Is the Official Gatorade Response?
Gatorade says product quality is a top priority and that it is recalling specific flavors and product lots because of the labeling discrepancy.
The company’s notice clearly limits the action to the specific 28-ounce products and codes listed in its recall information.
Consumers should rely on the company’s current notice and FDA information for updates rather than social media posts that may incorrectly suggest that all Gatorade products have been recalled.
Gatorade Recall vs. Normal Gatorade Products
| Question | Recalled products | Other Gatorade products |
| 28-ounce size | Some affected | Not automatically affected |
| Lemon Lime | Specific lots affected | Other lots not automatically affected |
| Lemon Lime Zero | Specific lots affected | Other lots not automatically affected |
| Orange | Specific lots affected | Other lots not automatically affected |
| Orange Zero | Specific lots affected | Other lots not automatically affected |
| Yellow No. 5 | Undeclared in affected Lemon Lime products | Depends on product |
| Yellow No. 6 | Undeclared in affected Orange products | Depends on product |
| All Gatorade products recalled? | No | No |
What If You Already Drank Recalled Gatorade?
If you already consumed an affected product, do not assume that you will become sick.
The FDA’s Class II classification indicates that serious health consequences are considered unlikely. However, people who develop concerning or unusual symptoms should seek appropriate medical advice.
Anyone with a known sensitivity to the undeclared ingredient should be particularly attentive to symptoms and follow advice from a healthcare professional.
This article is informational and should not replace medical advice.
Why Food Labeling Matters
Food labels help consumers make informed choices.
This is especially important for people who have food allergies, sensitivities, or other reasons to avoid particular ingredients. When an ingredient is not properly listed, those consumers may unknowingly consume something they normally avoid.
The FDA explains that certified color additives must meet regulatory requirements before being used in food.
The Gatorade recall shows why checking product information matters even when a food or drink is generally considered safe.
Is There a Recall Number?
Yes.
The recall has been reported under FDA recall number H-0009-2027.
Consumers checking official recall information should use the FDA and Gatorade notices because details such as affected codes can be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gatorade Recall
Is Gatorade being recalled in 2026?
Yes. PepsiCo has recalled 122,021 cases of specific 28-ounce Gatorade products in 37 U.S. states because of undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6.
Which Gatorade flavors are recalled?
The affected flavors are Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime, Gatorade Orange, and Gatorade Zero Orange in specific 28-ounce bottles and production lots.
Why was Gatorade recalled?
The affected drinks contained Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 that were not properly declared on the ingredient labels.
Is Gatorade Lemon Lime recalled?
Some 28-ounce Gatorade Lemon Lime and Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime bottles are included. Consumers should check the production code and best-taste date rather than assuming every Lemon Lime bottle is recalled.
Is Gatorade Orange recalled?
Some 28-ounce Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Zero Orange bottles are included in the recall. The affected Orange products contain undeclared Yellow No. 6.
Is Gatorade Zero included in the recall?
Yes. Specific 28-ounce Gatorade Zero Lemon Lime and Gatorade Zero Orange products are included.
How do I know if my Gatorade is recalled?
Check the flavor, 28-ounce bottle size, production code, and best-taste date against the current recall list. Do not rely on the flavor alone.
Is Yellow No. 5 dangerous?
Yellow No. 5 is an FDA-approved color additive. Some people can experience sensitivity or allergic-type reactions, so accurate labeling is important.
Is Yellow No. 6 dangerous?
Yellow No. 6 is also an FDA-approved color additive. The issue in this recall is that it was not properly declared on the labels of affected products.
Are all Gatorade products recalled?
No. Gatorade says the action applies only to specific 28-ounce products and production codes. Other Gatorade products are not part of this recall.
How many states are affected?
The recall covers products distributed in 37 U.S. states.
Is this a contamination recall?
No. The current recall is related to undeclared food dyes on the product labels rather than a reported bacterial or foreign-object contamination issue.
Conclusion
The Gatorade recall 2026 affects 122,021 cases of specific 28-ounce bottles sold across 37 U.S. states. The affected products are Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero with specific production codes.
The reason for the recall is that Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 were present but were not properly declared on the ingredient labels. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall, meaning serious health consequences are considered remote, although temporary or medically reversible effects are possible.
If you have Gatorade at home, check the bottle size, flavor, production code, and best-taste date. If the product matches the recall information, do not drink it and follow the latest guidance from Gatorade or the FDA.
