Two lawsuits have been filed against Panera Bread in recent weeks alleging that the company’s Charged Lemonade drink is dangerous and has caused serious health problems, including death.
The first lawsuit was filed in November 2023 by the family of a Florida woman who died after drinking the beverage. The woman’s family alleges that the lemonade contained high levels of caffeine, which caused her to have a fatal cardiac arrest.
The second lawsuit was filed in December 2023 by the family of a Pennsylvania man who died after drinking three servings of Charged Lemonade. The man’s family alleges that the lemonade contained a dangerous combination of caffeine and guarana, a stimulant that can cause heart problems.
Both lawsuits allege that Panera Bread knew or should have known that the Charged Lemonade was dangerous and failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks.
What is Charged Lemonade?
Charged Lemonade is a sparkling lemonade drink that Panera Bread introduced in 2020. The drink contains caffeine, guarana, and other ingredients. A 20-ounce serving of Charged Lemonade contains about 420 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than three times the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.
What are the health risks of Charged Lemonade?
The high levels of caffeine in Charged Lemonade can cause a number of health problems, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Headaches
- Jitters
- Dehydration
In rare cases, caffeine can also cause more serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.
What is Panera Bread saying about the lawsuits?
Panera Bread has not yet commented on the lawsuits. However, the company has said that it is “committed to the safety and well-being of our guests.”
What is the FDA saying about Charged Lemonade?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued any warnings about Charged Lemonade. However, the FDA does have guidelines for the safe consumption of caffeine. The FDA recommends that healthy adults not consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should be aware of the high levels of caffeine in Charged Lemonade and limit their consumption of the beverage. Consumers should also consult with their doctor if they have any concerns about the safety of Charged Lemonade.