Undeclared Dyes Trigger Recall
PepsiCo Recalls Over 120,000 Gatorade Cases Across 37 States for Undeclared Dyes
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Key Points
1
PepsiCo initiated the voluntary recall on September 25, 2026, and the FDA designated it Class II on October 2, 2026.
2
Yellow No. 5 is also known as tartrazine, and Yellow No. 6 as Sunset Yellow FCF; FDA rules require these dyes to be declared on product labels, with warning statements required for products containing Yellow No. 5.
3
The reporting says tartrazine may trigger allergic-type reactions such as bronchial asthma symptoms, particularly in people with aspirin hypersensitivity.
PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles across 37 states after discovering they contain undeclared yellow food dyes. ABC News reports the recall affects Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero flavors. The missing dyes are Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), which should have been listed on labels.
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall on October 2, meaning the dyes pose low risk of serious harm but may cause temporary health effects. The Sun notes people with sensitivities or allergies to these dyes face greater concern. PepsiCo initiated the voluntary recall on September 25, 2026.
Which States and Stores Are Affected
The recall covers all 37 states where these 28-ounce bottles were distributed. ABC7 New York confirms the impacted states include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and California—among the nation's most populous regions. Consumers should check their home and check product lot codes against the FDA's detailed recall list.
Why Yellow Dyes Must Be Labeled
FDA rules require Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 to be clearly declared on product labels. Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) carries an extra requirement: warning statements must appear for products containing it. These dyes trigger allergic-type reactions in some people, especially those with aspirin sensitivity. Undeclared dyes bypass these warnings entirely.
Health Risks for Sensitive Consumers
People with allergies or sensitivities to Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 face the greatest risk. Tartrazine may cause bronchial asthma symptoms, hives, or other allergic reactions. KVKI notes the FDA's Class II designation means exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects. Serious complications are considered unlikely, but vulnerable people should avoid the recalled bottles entirely.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Check any 28-ounce Gatorade bottles at home immediately. Compare your product against the affected flavors and lot codes listed in the official recall notice. Do not drink recalled bottles. Contact PepsiCo or the FDA if you have questions. Anyone who consumed the product and experienced an allergic reaction should contact their doctor right away.
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