A lawsuit has been filed against Panera Bread after a college student with a heart condition died from unknowingly drinking a large amount of caffeine in their Charged Lemonades. The lawsuit claims that Panera’s Charged Lemonades contain 97.5% of the daily recommended amount of caffeine, making it a dangerous beverage for those with heart conditions. The student, Sarah Katz, 21, drank the beverage in September 2022 and died later that day.
According to the lawsuit, Panera’s Charged Lemonade has gained popularity as well as controversy in the past year, with TikTok users criticizing how it affects them. In one video that has amassed more than 214,000 likes, a TikToker says the drink caused them to have heart palpitations and feel like they were going to pass out.
Panera’s website states that a regular Charged Lemonade contains 260 milligrams of caffeine, while the large size has 390 milligrams. This is more caffeine than what is found in a can of Red Bull or Monster energy drinks.
Death of Student
Circumstances
In September 2022, a 21-year-old student, Sarah Katz, died after drinking Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade, which is a powerfully caffeinated soda [1]. According to the lawsuit filed by her family in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Katz consumed the beverage and died later that day [1]. The lawsuit alleges that the beverage contained a dangerous amount of caffeine, which led to her cardiac arrest and death [2].
Aftermath
After Katz’s death, her family filed a lawsuit against Panera Bread, claiming that the Charged Lemonade contributed to their daughter’s death [4]. The lawsuit alleges that Panera Bread failed to warn customers about the high caffeine content in the beverage [2]. In response, Panera Bread issued a statement expressing their condolences to the family and stating that they take food safety seriously [1].
Katz’s roommate also spoke out about the incident, revealing that Katz had consumed the beverage before and had experienced adverse effects from it [3]. The roommate alleged that Katz had complained of heart palpitations and difficulty breathing after consuming the Charged Lemonade in the past [3].
The death of Sarah Katz has raised concerns about the safety of highly caffeinated beverages and the need for clearer labeling and warnings about their potential risks.
Panera Bread’s Role
Charged Lemonade Caffeine Content
Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade has been linked to the death of a college student with a heart condition who consumed the drink, likely thinking it had a safe amount of caffeine. According to a lawsuit, a 30-ounce serving of the drink contains as much as 390 milligrams of caffeine, more than the combined caffeine levels of a Red Bull and Monster Energy drink.
The high caffeine content in Charged Lemonade is concerning, especially since the drink is marketed as a lemonade and not an energy drink. The lawsuit claims that Panera Bread failed to warn customers about the high caffeine content in the drink, putting them at risk of serious harm.
Company Response
Panera Bread has not yet released a statement regarding the lawsuit. However, the company has previously defended the caffeine content of its Charged Lemonade, stating that it is clearly labeled on the menu and that customers can customize their orders to reduce the caffeine content.
It is unclear whether Panera Bread will take any action to address the concerns raised by the lawsuit. However, the company may face increased scrutiny from regulators and consumers in the wake of this incident.
Lawsuit Details
Plaintiffs
The family of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student who died after drinking Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade, has filed a lawsuit against the chain restaurant. The lawsuit alleges that the caffeinated beverage caused Katz’s death, as she was unaware of the high caffeine content in the drink due to the lack of a warning label.
Legal Proceedings
The lawsuit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and seeks damages for wrongful death, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. The plaintiffs claim that Panera Bread knew or should have known about the potential risks associated with the Charged Lemonade, yet failed to warn customers about the high caffeine content.
According to the lawsuit, the Charged Lemonade contains 390 milligrams of caffeine in its 30-ounce size, which is equivalent to six shots of espresso. The plaintiffs argue that this amount of caffeine is dangerous, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions such as Katz, who had a heart condition.
Panera Bread has not yet responded to the lawsuit. However, the company has previously stated that the Charged Lemonade is intended for adults and contains a warning label about the caffeine content. The plaintiffs argue that the warning label is not sufficient, as it is small and not prominently displayed.
The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but the case has raised concerns about the lack of regulation and warning labels for caffeinated beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the caffeine content in Panera Bread Charged Lemonade?
According to a lawsuit filed against Panera Bread, the Charged Lemonade reportedly contains more caffeine than a can of Red Bull or Monster energy drink. However, the exact amount of caffeine in the drink has not been disclosed by Panera Bread.
What is the maximum recommended daily caffeine intake?
The maximum recommended daily caffeine intake varies depending on age, weight, and overall health. However, the FDA recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 400 milligrams for adults.
What are the potential health risks of consuming too much caffeine?
Consuming too much caffeine can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
What is the lawsuit against Panera Bread regarding their Charged Lemonade?
A lawsuit was filed against Panera Bread by the parents of a college student who died after consuming the Charged Lemonade. The lawsuit alleges that the drink was responsible for the student’s death due to its high caffeine content.
What is the story behind the death of Sarah Katz and its relation to Panera Bread Charged Lemonade?
Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old Ivy League student with a heart condition, died after drinking Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade in September 2022. Her parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Panera Bread, claiming that the high caffeine content in the drink was responsible for their daughter’s death.
What steps is Panera Bread taking to address the controversy surrounding their Charged Lemonade?
Panera Bread has not released an official statement regarding the lawsuit or the controversy surrounding their Charged Lemonade. However, it is likely that they will take steps to address the issue and potentially reformulate the drink to reduce its caffeine content.
