Panera Settles Remaining Lawsuits Over Caffeinated Beverage That’s Accused of Causing 2 Deaths

Panera has reached settlements in legal matters involving a highly caffeinated drink that was linked to two deaths.

The legal disputes stem from Panera’s Charged Lemonade, a beverage with a high caffeine content that was alleged to have caused fatalities and health problems.

Legal representatives for the restaurant chain confirmed that all lawsuits have been resolved, indicating a resolution to the contentious issue. Details surrounding the settlements remain undisclosed both by the attorneys and Panera.

The controversial beverage came under public scrutiny in October 2023 following a tragic incident involving a 21-year-old student at the University of Pennsylvania, Sarah Katz.
Katz, who had a pre-existing heart condition, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest after consuming the Charged Lemonade, prompting her parents to take legal action against Panera.
The lawsuits also included cases such as that of Dennis Brown, a 46-year-old who allegedly passed away after consuming multiple servings of the beverage in a single visit.
Panera has consistently denied any liability but has made significant changes to its offerings and practices in response to the legal challenges.
Following the initial lawsuits in 2023, Panera took proactive measures such as removing the Charged Lemonade from self-service stations, erecting warning signs, and ultimately discontinuing the drink from its menu by May 2024.
The company stated that customer feedback played a pivotal role in their decision-making process, leading them to pivot towards offering beverages with lower sugar and caffeine content.
Despite its removal from the menu, the Charged Lemonade was reported to contain a substantial amount of caffeine, raising concerns amongst consumers and health advocates about its potential health risks.
In light of the legal settlements, it remains unclear if all self-serve stations have been completely phased out from Panera’s dine-in locations, leaving some questions surrounding the aftermath of this legal saga.

Overall, the resolution of these lawsuits signifies a significant chapter in Panera’s history, prompting the chain to re-evaluate its offerings and prioritize customer safety and health concerns.