lawsuit panera lemonade charged
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Accident – Death – Obituary News : In early May, Panera Bread announced the discontinuation of its Charged Lemonade range, a line of energizing drinks that had sparked controversy and legal action against the popular restaurant chain.
The Charged Lemonade drinks gained notoriety after influencer Sarah Baus shared a TikTok video in late 2022 detailing her experience with the highly-caffeinated beverages at a Panera location. Baus claimed to have unknowingly consumed multiple Charged Lemonades, assuming they contained a standard amount of caffeine.
While Baus’ video garnered millions of views, others faced more serious consequences, leading to a series of lawsuits against Panera. The caffeinated lemonades reportedly contained between 155 to 302 milligrams of caffeine, approaching the FDA’s recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams.
Following the backlash and legal challenges, Panera announced a shift towards offering low-sugar and low-caffeine options. However, the restaurant declined to comment on whether the lawsuits directly influenced the decision to discontinue the Charged Lemonade drinks.
One tragic incident that fueled the lawsuits involved the death of University of Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz, whose parents filed a lawsuit against Panera, alleging that their daughter passed away after consuming a Charged Lemonade. Katz, who had a preexisting heart condition, purchased the drink from a Philadelphia Panera Bread and suffered a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after.
The FDA launched an investigation into Katz’s death, prompting Panera to implement enhanced disclosures in-store and on its app regarding the high caffeine content of the drinks. Despite these measures, a second lawsuit was filed by the family of Dennis Brown, a Florida man who died after consuming multiple Charged Lemonades, despite refraining from energy drinks due to high blood pressure.
While Panera expressed sympathy for Brown’s family, the chain denied any responsibility for his death, stating that an investigation did not link his passing to their products. Subsequent lawsuits, including one from Rhode Island resident Lauren Skerritt alleging permanent cardiac injuries, and another from 18-year-old Luke Adams claiming a Charged Lemonade led to his cardiac arrest, further highlighted the controversy surrounding the discontinued drinks.
These legal actions underscore the importance of transparency and consumer safety in the food and beverage industry, urging companies to provide clear information about product ingredients and potential health risks. As the fallout from the Charged Lemonade controversy continues, Panera and other food establishments may face increased scrutiny and demands for accountability in delivering safe and responsibly marketed products to consumers..
1. Lawsuit Panera Charged Lemonade
2. Lawsuit Against Panera Lemonade.
