Gatorade Recall 2026: Flavors, States List and What to Do Now
Gatorade recall explained: 122,021 cases of 28 oz Lemon Lime and Orange bottles pulled in 37 states over undeclared yellow dyes. Flavors, risks and what to do.
Jay Chotaliya
Author & Contributor
The Gatorade recall covers 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles in four flavors (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero) because they contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 dyes that are not listed on the label. PepsiCo started the voluntary recall on 25 September 2026, the FDA classified it as Class II on 2 October, and the affected drinks were sold in 37 US states. Here is what is recalled, where, why it matters and what to do if you have a bottle at home.
Key Takeaways
- 122,021 cases of 28 oz Gatorade are recalled for undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6.
- Flavors: Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero.
- Products were distributed in 37 states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York.
- The FDA rates it Class II: health effects are expected to be temporary or reversible, and serious harm is unlikely.
- People sensitive to yellow dyes, especially Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), should check lot numbers and not drink affected bottles.
What Is the Gatorade Recall About?
This is a labeling recall, not a contamination recall. The drinks contain Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, or both, but those dyes were not declared on the ingredient label. Both dyes are approved by the FDA for use in food and drinks, but US rules say they must be listed on the label so shoppers can avoid them if they need to (Source: Forbes).
The recall was listed in the FDA's enforcement report, and national news coverage on 5 October sent searches soaring. "Gatorade recall" became one of the top trending searches in the US that day, with more than 100,000 Google searches.
Which Gatorade Flavors Are Recalled?
Only one bottle size and four flavors are part of this recall:
| Product | Size | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Gatorade Lemon Lime | 28 fl oz bottle | Undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 |
| Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero | 28 fl oz bottle | Undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 |
| Gatorade Orange | 28 fl oz bottle | Undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 |
| Gatorade Orange Zero | 28 fl oz bottle | Undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 |
Forbes reports the bottles were made between April and June 2026. Not every bottle of these flavors is affected. Only specific lot numbers are included, and these are listed in the FDA's enforcement report. Other sizes and flavors are not part of this recall.
Gatorade Recall States List: Where Were the Bottles Sold?
According to Forbes and KCRG, the recalled bottles were distributed in these 37 states:
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 and Wisconsin.
If you bought a 28 oz Lemon Lime or Orange Gatorade in one of these states between spring and early autumn 2026, it is worth checking the bottle.
Gatorade Recall Timeline
- April–June 2026: The affected bottles were manufactured (Forbes).
- 25 September 2026: PepsiCo voluntarily started the recall.
- 2 October 2026: The FDA classified the recall as Class II.
- 5 October 2026: National outlets including ABC News, Forbes, Newsweek and The Washington Post reported the recall, and searches spiked.
Is the Recalled Gatorade Dangerous?
For most people, the risk is low. The FDA's Class II rating means that drinking the product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," and the chance of serious harm is considered remote.
The concern is for people who know they react to these dyes. Newsweek notes that the FDA says Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) "may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons." The FDA adds that this sensitivity is more common in people who are also sensitive to aspirin, though it is uncommon overall (Source: Newsweek).
The news reports we reviewed did not mention any illnesses linked to this recall. If you have a known dye sensitivity and feel unwell after drinking Gatorade, contact a doctor.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
The FDA sorts recalls into three classes based on how risky a product is. Knowing the class helps you judge how worried to be.
| Recall class | What it means | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | A reasonable chance the product could cause serious health problems or death | Food contaminated with dangerous bacteria, or an undeclared major allergen such as peanuts |
| Class II | May cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is remote | This Gatorade recall |
| Class III | Unlikely to cause any health problems, but breaks a labeling or manufacturing rule | Minor label errors with no health risk |
In simple terms, the Gatorade recall sits in the middle. It is more serious than a paperwork mistake because some people react to these dyes, but it is not in the same category as a contamination recall. The same classification is used for other products, so you can use this table to judge any recall you see in the news.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Gatorade?
- Check the size and flavor. Only 28 oz Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero bottles are involved.
- Find the lot code and "best by" date printed on the bottle.
- Compare it with the FDA's list. Search "Gatorade" on the FDA enforcement report page to see the exact lot numbers.
- Do not drink it if it matches and you or your child are sensitive to yellow dyes.
- Contact PepsiCo or the store for a refund or replacement. Keep the bottle or receipt if you can.
Why the Gatorade Dye Recall Matters Now
The timing has made this recall a bigger story than a typical labeling error. In April 2025, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, with a target of the end of 2026. Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are both in that group.
So the recall lands just as food and drink companies are under pressure to remove these dyes. Supporters of the phase-out see it as proof that shoppers need clear labels. On the other side, both dyes are still FDA-approved today, and many people drink products with them without any problem. Whichever view you hold, everyone agrees the label must match what is in the bottle.
As of 5 October, Newsweek reported that PepsiCo had not issued a public statement explaining the labeling error.
FAQ
Why was Gatorade recalled?
The bottles contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 dyes that are not listed on the label.
Which Gatorade flavors are recalled?
28 oz Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero.
How many Gatorade bottles are recalled?
122,021 cases of 28 oz bottles, according to Forbes and the FDA report.
Which states are affected by the Gatorade recall?
37 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois. The full list is above.
Is it safe to drink the recalled Gatorade?
The FDA calls it Class II, so serious harm is unlikely. People sensitive to yellow dyes should not drink affected bottles.
Is Gatorade sold in India part of this recall?
The recall covers bottles distributed in the United States. There have been no reports of it applying to India.
How do I get a refund?
Return the bottle to the store where you bought it, or contact PepsiCo consumer relations.
Conclusion
The Gatorade recall is about missing label information, not a dangerous contaminant, but it matters for anyone who avoids yellow dyes. Check your 28 oz Lemon Lime and Orange bottles against the FDA list, and return any that match.
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