Panera Bread Company has announced plans to cease the sale of its Charged Lemonade beverage nationwide amid ongoing legal battles over its alleged connection to two fatalities. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the decision on Tuesday, citing a broader initiative to introduce more low-caffeine options to their beverage menu.
The move comes in response to lawsuits linking the consumption of Charged Lemonade to tragic outcomes. One such case involves the passing of 21-year-old college student Sarah Katz, who reportedly suffered fatal consequences after consuming the beverage. Her family filed a lawsuit against Panera, arguing that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the drink’s high caffeine content.
In another lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court, Dennis Brown of Fleming Island, Florida, reportedly consumed multiple Charged Lemonade drinks before experiencing cardiac arrest. The lawsuits have drawn attention to the caffeine levels in the beverage, ranging from 155 to 302 milligrams, and the warning label advising certain individuals against its consumption.
Panera Bread is now facing a second wrongful death lawsuit tied to its caffeinated “Charged Lemonade.”
A lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges Panera’s lemonade drink caused the death of a Florida man, Dennis Brown, 46, after he went into cardiac arrest when he left the restaurant. pic.twitter.com/bOmK5G3QUN
— Paul Kang ✡️⚖️ (@LPaulKang) December 5, 2023
Panera’s decision to discontinue Charged Lemonade reflects its commitment to addressing consumer concerns and adapting its offerings accordingly. The company’s recent menu changes, which include the introduction of a “Blueberry Lavender Lemonade” among other options, align with feedback from thousands of guests seeking diverse beverage choices.
While Panera has not explicitly disclosed the reason behind discontinuing Charged Lemonade, the lawsuits underscore the importance of transparency and clear labeling in the food and beverage industry. The phase-out of the drink serves as a precautionary measure as the company navigates legal proceedings and seeks to prioritize customer satisfaction and safety.
