PepsiCo has initiated a voluntary recall of more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade due to the undeclared presence of synthetic food dyes Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. The recall, classified as a Class II action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects 28-ounce bottles of various Gatorade flavors distributed in over three dozen states across the United States.

The recalled products are identified by lot labels carrying best-by dates between April and June 2027. Although Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are commonly used food colorings and generally considered safe, the FDA requires their presence to be clearly indicated on product labels because they can, in rare cases, cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals.

The recall was announced on September 25, citing a remote likelihood of serious adverse health consequences, which aligns with the FDA's criteria for a Class II recall. This classification typically involves a situation where the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects or where the probability of serious health consequences is low.

As of the announcement, PepsiCo had not issued a public statement regarding the recall. Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to check the lot numbers and best-by dates and to avoid consumption if their items match those identified in the recall.

Retailers and distributors have been notified and are expected to remove affected products from shelves to prevent further sale. The recall aims to mitigate potential allergenic risks associated with the undeclared synthetic dyes and to ensure compliance with FDA labeling regulations.