The story begins with food coloring. PepsiCo has recalled 122,021 cases of Gatorade after the FDA found that the bottles carry a dye that is not on the label.
The recall dates to 25 September 2026 and covers 28-ounce bottles of four flavors: Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange and Orange Zero. They contain undisclosed Yellow No. 6 and possibly Yellow No. 5. PepsiCo notified the FDA itself, so the recall is voluntary.
How serious is it
The FDA classed it as Class II, meaning the ingredient “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” in the agency’s words. Both dyes are approved in the United States, though some states restrict them, so NBC News noted that people could probably still drink the product if they chose. The FDA has said it aims to remove both dyes, with other synthetic colors, from the food supply by the end of this year.
Where it was sold
The recalled Gatorade reached 37 states: 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 buyers are told
For those holding a recalled bottle, there is little guidance. Neither the FDA nor Gatorade has said what shoppers should do, and the brand had announced no refunds as of NBC’s report. NBC wrote its story from an FDA enforcement report.
