Panera has recently found itself at the center of a lawsuit after a college student tragically lost his life due to consuming their ‘charged lemonade’. The lawsuit alleges that the young man’s death was a direct result of the beverage, which contained a dangerous level of caffeine.
The incident occurred when the student visited a Panera location with friends and ordered the ‘charged lemonade’. Unbeknownst to him, the drink contained high amounts of caffeine, which caused an adverse reaction. The lawsuit states that Panera failed to adequately warn customers about the potential risks associated with consuming their beverage.
Caffeine is known to have stimulating effects on the nervous system. In moderation, it can enhance focus and provide an energy boost. However, excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to adverse reactions such as rapid heart rate, hypertension, and even cardiac arrest. It is essential for companies like Panera to responsibly iterate the potential dangers of their products, especially when targeting a demographic like college students who may be more inclined to experiment with caffeine-rich beverages.
The lawsuit argues that Panera breached its duty of care by not properly informing customers about the caffeine content of their ‘charged lemonade’. It also claims that the company should have known about the risks associated with consuming high amounts of caffeine and taken proper precautions to ensure customer safety.
Panera has yet to release a statement regarding the lawsuit, but it is likely that they will defend themselves by explaining that the caffeine content of their ‘charged lemonade’ was clearly indicated on the menu. However, the lawsuit argues that this was not enough, and that Panera should have provided more explicit warnings about the potential dangers.
This tragic incident and ensuing lawsuit highlight the importance of companies taking responsibility for the safety of their customers. It also serves as a reminder for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming high amounts of caffeine and to exercise caution when trying new products.
A 21-year-old Ivy League student with a heart condition died after drinking Panera Bread’s “charged lemonade,” according to a lawsuit filed Monday.
A large cup of ‘charged lemonade’ contains more caffeine than a can of Red Bull and Monster energy drink combined.
The lawsuit, according to an NBC report, was filed on behalf of the parents of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old student at the University of Pennsylvania. According to a WSB-TV report, Katz had a heart condition known as long QT syndrome type 1 since the age of 5. According to the filing, she avoided energy drinks on the recommendation of her doctors.
Lawyers for the family said Katz died in September 2022 after suffering two cardiac arrests after returning home from the restaurant.
Panera issued a statement about the lawsuit on Monday, saying:
“We were deeply saddened to hear this morning of the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our thoughts go out to her family. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter. “
The complaint, which one was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, calls the drink a “dangerous energy drink” and alleges that Panera failed to adequately warn consumers about its ingredients.
“She was very vigilant about what she had to do to keep herself safe,” roommate and close friend Victoria Rose Conroy said today. “I guarantee that if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she would never have touched it with a 10-foot pole.”
The loaded lemonade was “offered alongside all of Panera’s non-caffeinated and/or less caffeinated drinks” and was advertised as a “plant-based and clean” drink that contained as much caffeine as the restaurant’s dark roast coffee. according to photos of both the menu and the drink machines in the store.
But at 390 milligrams, the large loaded lemonade contains more caffeine than any measure of Panera’s dark roast coffee, the complaint says — numbers that confirm the nutrition facts on Panera’s website. The loaded lemonade also contains guarana extract, another stimulant, and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar, the complaint continues.
According to the lawsuit, loaded lemonade contains anywhere from 260 to 390 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than the combined caffeine content of Red Bull (114 milligrams) and Monster Energy Drink (160 milligrams).
