Karmactive Staff
PepsiCo has recalled more than 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles after the company discovered several flavors were bottled with undeclared artificial food dyes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified the event as a Class II recall on October 2, 2026—meaning use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while serious harm is considered unlikely.
The Gatorade recall 2026 covers exactly 122,021 cases across 37 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Affected products are 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon-Lime, Lemon-Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero. The affected products contain undeclared FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) and/or FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow). PepsiCo initiated the voluntary recall on September 25; the FDA’s full public enforcement classification and state distribution list were not published until October 2.
If you or anyone in your household has a sensitivity to artificial food dyes—specifically Yellow No. 5—do not drink the recalled flavors. People with a known sensitivity to Yellow No. 5 or other food colour additives should avoid the recalled products and seek medical advice if symptoms occur. Anyone holding matching lot codes can discard the liquid and contact PepsiCo Consumer Relations for a refund; check the official recall notice for exact return instructions.
Manufacturing codes on recalled products include DL, DT, TL, and KM, among others, stamped near the bottle neck or cap. The full lot-code list is available in the FDA enforcement record. Expiration dates on affected cases run from April 18, 2027, through June 8, 2027.
To check whether your bottle is part of the recall, find the lot code stamped on the neck or bottom. Recalled products include manufacturing codes DL, DT, TL, and KM among others, alongside expiration dates between APR 18 27 and JUN 08 27. Check the full FDA lot-code list to confirm. If your product matches, do not consume it. Call the number on the product label to reach PepsiCo Consumer Relations for reimbursement.
Review the FDA recall classification guide for detail on what Class II status means for your consumer risk level.
