Houston-area consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators and pantries after PepsiCo recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade distributed across 37 states, including Texas.
The recall involves certain 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Orange Zero.
The issue is with *Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which were found in some products but were not listed on the ingredient labels. The FDA has classified the recall as *Class II, meaning the products could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, particularly for people who are sensitive to these food dyes.
Which bottles should Houston consumers check?
PepsiCo says the recall applies only to specific product lots. Consumers should check the production code and Best Taste date printed on their 28-ounce bottles.
Affected examples include:
- Gatorade Lemon Lime — June 7 or June 8, 2027
- Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero — April 18, April 20 or April 27, 2027
- Gatorade Orange — April 18, April 25 or May 7, 2027
- Gatorade Orange Zero — April 23, April 28, May 17, May 22, June 1 or June 7, 2027
The production codes should also match the specific codes listed in PepsiCo’s recall notice. Not every bottle of these flavors is recalled.
What should you do if you have one?
If you find a bottle matching the recalled product and code, do not drink it.
Set it aside and contact the store where it was purchased or PepsiCo for return or refund information. People who are particularly sensitive to food dyes should be especially careful.
The FDA has not reported illnesses connected to the recalled Gatorade, and the problem is related to undeclared ingredients on the label, rather than a contamination issue.
What Houston families should know
For Pakistani-American families in Houston, this is a good reminder to check drinks and packaged foods before serving them to children or guests.
If you regularly buy Gatorade for children, school activities, cricket, sports or family gatherings, take a minute to check the bottle size, flavor, production code and Best Taste date.
And remember: a bottle being Lemon Lime or Orange does not automatically mean it is recalled. The production code must also match.
Houston Tribune Safety Tip: Before throwing a recalled product away, take a photo of the bottle’s production code and Best Taste date. It can help when contacting the retailer or manufacturer about a refund or replacement.
