A voluntary PepsiCo recall covers about 122,000 cases of four Gatorade varieties in 28-ounce bottles distributed across 37 states. The issue is undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 food coloring, according to the FDA enforcement notice cited by CBS News and the Guardian. The recall is limited by product size and variety; it does not mean every Gatorade bottle is affected.
Key facts
- The recall covers 28-ounce bottles in four named Gatorade varieties.
- PepsiCo initiated the voluntary recall on September 25, 2026.
- The FDA classified it as Class II on October 2.
- The stated issue is undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6.
Timeline
PepsiCo initiated the recall on September 25. The FDA classified it as Class II on October 2, CBS News reported. The four named products are Gatorade Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero in 28-ounce bottles. The recall covers 37 states, including New York, New Jersey and California.
The practical distinction for a shopper is the label, not just the brand name. Someone with one of the named flavors should check the bottle size and the FDA recall record's code information before deciding whether their purchase is covered. The FDA's Class II designation does not describe a finding of widespread illness; it means temporary or medically reversible health consequences are possible, while serious consequences are considered remote.
PepsiCo's public refund or replacement terms were not confirmed in the reports reviewed. Shoppers should ask the retailer or the company about their specific purchase rather than assume a refund policy.
The bottles to check
The named varieties are Gatorade Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero, all in 28-ounce bottles. CBS News, citing the FDA, says about 122,000 cases were distributed in 37 states. Those include New York and New Jersey, but distribution to a state does not establish that every store there stocked an affected lot. A different bottle size or flavor should not be assumed part of this recall merely because it carries the same brand.
Why the labels matter
The FDA enforcement notice lists undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 as the reason for the recall. These are color additives whose presence must be disclosed on food labels. The agency's Class II classification means temporary or medically reversible effects are possible, or the chance of serious harm is remote; it is not a report that all purchasers have become ill. The recall began September 25 and was classified October 2, according to CBS News.
What buyers can do now
Compare the bottle's size, variety and code markings with the FDA enforcement record linked below. Keep the container or a clear photo of its label if asking a retailer or PepsiCo about the purchase. The public reports reviewed did not establish a uniform refund policy. If you believe you have had a reaction or have a specific medical concern, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
What are you still wondering?
Answers will use this briefing and its cited sources.Sources and further reading
01FDA enforcement report — Gatorade recall product record↗02CBS News — PepsiCo recalls Gatorade over undeclared dyes↗03The Guardian — Gatorade recall across 37 states↗Questions, answered.
What is the short version?
A voluntary PepsiCo recall covers about 122,000 cases of four Gatorade varieties in 28-ounce bottles distributed across 37 states. The issue is undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 food coloring, according to the FDA enforcement notice cited by CBS News and the Guardian. The recall is limited by product size and variety; it does not mean every Gatorade bottle is affected.
Why does this matter now?
The practical distinction for a shopper is the label, not just the brand name. Someone with one of the named flavors should check the bottle size and the FDA recall record's code information before deciding whether their purchase is covered. The FDA's Class II designation does not describe a finding of widespread illness; it means temporary or medically reversible health consequences are possible, while serious consequences are considered remote.
What should readers watch next?
PepsiCo's public refund or replacement terms were not confirmed in the reports reviewed. Shoppers should ask the retailer or the company about their specific purchase rather than assume a refund policy.
