PepsiCo just recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade. Lemon Lime. Lemon Lime Zero. Orange. Orange Zero. All 28-ounce bottles. Distributed across 37 states.
The reason: something was in the bottles that wasn't on the label.
If you've been drinking Gatorade to recover from a workout, a hangover, or just because it was in your fridge — this is worth a two-minute check.
What's Actually in the Bottles
The recalled Gatorade products contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 — synthetic food dyes that are FDA-approved and used in hundreds of products. They are not banned. They are not poison.
The problem is they weren't listed on the label. For most people, that's a non-issue. For a specific group, it's not.
People with sensitivities or allergies to aspirin have a documented higher rate of reactions to Yellow No. 5 specifically — including mild rash and allergic-type asthma. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, meaning exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences for those affected.
If you have no aspirin sensitivity, your risk is extremely low. If you do — or if someone in your household does — check your bottles now.
Which Products and Lot Numbers
The recall covers:
- Gatorade Lemon Lime (28 oz)
- Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero (28 oz)
- Gatorade Orange (28 oz)
- Gatorade Orange Zero (28 oz)
Lot dates span April 2027, May 2027, and June 2027 expiration dates. The full list of affected lot numbers is available on the FDA's website. The recall was initiated by PepsiCo on September 25 and classified by the FDA on October 2.
The 37 states affected include: 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.
What to Do
Check the FDA recall page and compare the lot number on your bottle against the affected list. If your bottle is on the list — don't drink it. Contact PepsiCo or the retailer where you bought it for a refund.
If you've already consumed the product and have aspirin sensitivity, watch for symptoms including skin rash or breathing difficulty and contact a medical provider if they appear. For the general population with no aspirin sensitivity, no action beyond checking the lot number is needed.
PepsiCo has not yet responded to media requests for comment on how the undeclared dyes ended up in the products.
