Gatorade sold in Michigan recalled. Why you should return it

Gatorade is recalling 120,000 cases of the drink sold in 37 states, including Michigan, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the drinks contained undeclared food coloring. The recall, announced by federal officials on Friday, Oct. 2, was classified as a Class II and includes 122,021 case

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What is the story about?

Gatorade is recalling 120,000 cases of the drink sold in 37 states, including Michigan, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the drinks contained undeclared food coloring.

The recall, announced by federal officials on Friday, Oct. 2, was classified as a Class II and includes 122,021 cases of 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Orange Zero.

PepsiCo, the parent company of Gatorade initiated the recall a week earlier, Friday, Sept. 25, due unlisted food colorings Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6.

Here's what to know about the product:

Which Gatoradae products are included in the recall?

According to the FDA's enforcement report, the lot numbers for the recalled products include:

Lot 091026 DL - JUN 07 27
Lot 091126 DL - JUN 08 27
Lot 072226 DT - APR 18 27
Lot 072426 TL - APR 20 27
Lot 073126 TL - APR 27 27
Lot 072926 TL - APR 25 27
Lot 073026 TL - APR 25 27
Lot 081026 TL - MAY 07 27
Lot 082126 OA - APR 18 27
Lot 080126 DL - APR 28 27
Lot 082026 DL - MAY 17 27
Lot 083126 DT - JUN 07 27
Lot 082526 KM - MAY 22 27
Lot 090426 KM - JUN 01 27
Lot 072726 TL - APR 23 27

What is a recall?

Food recalls are removals of foods from the market that

are in violation of FDA regulations, according to the federal agency.

The FDA regulates all foods except meat, poultry, and processed egg products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Officials say that consumers should be aware of recalls as foods could illness, especially for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.

What consumers should do if they have a recalled item?

Often, recalled products may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. If not, dispose of the product properly — if it’s contaminated, wrap it securely before putting it in the trash, officials say.

What is a Class II recall?

According to the FDA, a Class II recall is a situation in which use or exposure to a "violative product" may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.