PepsiCo has voluntarily recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade because the drinks contain food dyes that are not listed on the label. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as reported by ABC News, the recall began on September 25 and the FDA classified it as Class II on October 2.

Which Gatorade Products Are Recalled?

The recall covers 122,021 cases of 28-ounce bottles in four varieties:

  • Gatorade Lemon Lime
  • Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero
  • Gatorade Orange
  • Gatorade Orange Zero

The drinks contain Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, and neither dye appears on the ingredient list. Both dyes are FDA-approved, but they must be declared on the label. The recall covers multiple lot numbers, and the FDA's notice lists them. The recall number is H-0009-2027.

Where Was It Sold?

The bottles were distributed in 37 states, including 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 Does Class II Mean?

A Class II recall applies when exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, or when the chance of serious harm is remote. The FDA notes that these dyes could cause a mild rash or allergic-type asthma. This is uncommon in the general population and is seen more often in people who react to aspirin.

What Consumers Should Do

  • Check any 28-oz Gatorade in the four flavors above against the lot numbers in the FDA recall notice.
  • If you or your child is sensitive to artificial dyes or aspirin, avoid the recalled bottles.
  • Report any adverse reaction to the FDA.

What We Don't Know

PepsiCo has not publicly explained how the labeling error happened. The recall is ongoing.

Key Takeaways

  • 122,021 cases of 28-oz Gatorade are recalled in 37 states.
  • The issue is a labeling error, not contamination.
  • The FDA rated it Class II on October 2.