Shoppers in 37 states who bought 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange or Orange Zero with best-by dates from April 18 to June 8, 2027 may have drinks covered by a PepsiCo recall of 122,021 cases, because the labels did not list the Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 dyes inside. PepsiCo has not announced a refund or replacement process, and there is nothing to file.
What Is Being Recalled?
PepsiCo, which owns Gatorade, voluntarily recalled 122,021 cases of 28-fluid-ounce Gatorade bottles in four flavors: Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero. According to the FDA's Enforcement Report, the drinks contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 that were not declared on the label. PepsiCo started the recall on September 25, 2026, and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on October 2, 2026. According to news reports of the FDA record, no press release was issued, which is why the recall surfaced in news coverage days after it began.The recall is limited to specific production lots. News reports reproducing the FDA notice list 15 lot codes, with best-by dates from April 18, 2027 through June 8, 2027. The lot code and best-by date are printed in small type on the bottle, typically on the neck near the cap. Because published lot lists differ slightly from outlet to outlet, the FDA Enforcement Report is the authoritative list for matching a specific bottle.
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Why Missing Dyes Trigger a Recall
Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are FDA-approved color additives used in many beverages, so the issue is not that the dyes are in the drinks. It is that the labels did not say so. FDA rules require food labels to list the name of every FDA-certified color additive, such as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or Yellow 5, so that people who avoid particular dyes can identify them. A product whose label omits a required ingredient is considered misbranded under federal law.A Class II classification is the FDA's middle tier. It applies when use of a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, or when the probability of serious health consequences is remote. Class I is reserved for situations with a reasonable probability of serious harm or death.
Where the Recalled Gatorade Was Sold
The recalled bottles were distributed in 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. The FDA record does not name the retailers that received the product.Is There a Refund?
Not yet. As of October 7, 2026, PepsiCo had not published refund or replacement instructions, and the FDA Enforcement Report does not describe a consumer remedy. Individual store return policies vary. If PepsiCo or the FDA announces a refund process, this page will be updated with the official link.The recall is separate from the proposed class actions already pending against Gatorade's maker over its marketing, including a suit challenging the brand's claims that it hydrates better than water and one over its “no artificial flavors” labeling. Those allegations are unproven, and no class action over the dye recall has been reported.
Questions
Which Gatorade flavors are recalled?
The recall covers 28-fluid-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Orange Zero from specific lots with best-by dates between April 18 and June 8, 2027. Other Gatorade flavors and bottle sizes are not part of this recall.
Is the recalled Gatorade dangerous?
The recall is about labeling, not contamination. The drinks contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, both FDA-approved color additives, but the labels did not list them. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall, the category for products that may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects or where the chance of serious harm is remote. The concern is for people who avoid these dyes.
Can recalled Gatorade be returned for a refund?
As of October 7, 2026, PepsiCo had not published refund or replacement instructions for this recall, and the FDA enforcement report does not include a consumer remedy. Store return policies vary by retailer. Any refund process PepsiCo announces will be added to this page.
Which states are included in the Gatorade recall?
The recalled bottles were distributed in 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.
Is there a Gatorade recall class action lawsuit?
No class action over this recall has been reported as of October 7, 2026. Gatorade is the subject of separate proposed class actions over its marketing, including claims about hydration and flavoring, which are unrelated to the dye-labeling recall and remain unproven.
Sources
• FDA Enforcement Report database (search “Gatorade” for the recall record and full lot list)• FDA, Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers (labeling rule for certified color additives)
• FDA, Recalls Background and Definitions (Class I, II and III)
• NBC News, “122,000 cases of Gatorade recalled over undeclared food dyes”
• Fast Company, “A massive Gatorade recall is affecting 37 states”
• WAFB / Gray News, “Gatorade recall affects more than 122,000 cases in 37 states” (October 5, 2026)
• Dallas Morning News, “Gatorade recall in Texas: Affected flavors and lot codes”
