Panera Bread Faces Legal Challenges Over High-Caffeine Beverages
Panera Bread, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain, has announced plans to discontinue its caffeinated “Charged Lemonade” beverages following a series of lawsuits alleging that the drinks contributed to health issues and wrongful deaths. The company’s decision comes as a response to growing concerns over the high caffeine content in these beverages and the potential risks they pose to consumers.
5 Key Points
- Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade beverages contain between 155mg and 302mg of caffeine, with large 30-ounce versions reportedly containing up to 390mg.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 400mg for adults.
- Lawsuits filed against Panera Bread claim that the Charged Lemonade beverages contributed to the deaths of Sarah Katz, 21, and Dennis Brown, 46, as well as cardiac issues suffered by Lauren Skerritt, 28.
- Panera Bread has not specified when the Charged Lemonade beverages will be discontinued but has announced plans to focus on a new beverage portfolio based on customer feedback.
- The company’s enhanced beverage lineup will include options such as Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie, emphasizing taste, quality ingredients, and value.
Lawsuits and Allegations
The decision to discontinue the Charged Lemonade beverages comes in the wake of several lawsuits filed against Panera Bread. In September, the family of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student, alleged that the drink contributed to her death by aggravating a pre-existing cardiac issue. Another lawsuit attributed the death of Dennis Brown, 46, to the Charged Lemonade. Brown, a member of Panera’s “Sip Club,” which allows unlimited drink access, had reportedly been consuming the lemonade for six days before his death while walking home from dinner at a Panera near his workplace in Florida.
Additionally, 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt suffered cardiac issues allegedly linked to the Charged Lemonade, experiencing symptoms such as brain fog, body shakes, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and difficulty thinking.
Panera’s Response and Future Plans
In response to these lawsuits and growing concerns, Panera Bread has decided to discontinue the Charged Lemonade beverages. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We are excited to continue the success of our recent menu transformation, which began with our core options of sandwiches and salads. We listened to more than 30,000 guests about what they wanted from Panera and are focusing next on the broad array of beverages we know our guests desire – ranging from exciting, on-trend flavors to low sugar and low caffeine options.”
Panera Bread’s enhanced beverage portfolio will include options such as Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie. The company aims to reinforce its mission of delivering amazing taste, quality ingredients, and value to its customers.
Moving Forward: Panera Bread’s Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
The discontinuation of Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade beverages marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to its beverage offerings. By prioritizing customer feedback and focusing on a diverse range of healthier options, Panera Bread seeks to address the concerns raised by the lawsuits and provide its customers with a more balanced and enjoyable dining experience. As the company moves forward with its enhanced beverage portfolio, it remains to be seen how this change will impact its reputation and customer satisfaction in the long run.
Panera Bread’s Legal Challenge’s FAQ
What is the caffeine content of Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade beverages?
Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade beverages contain between 155mg and 302mg of caffeine, with large 30-ounce versions reportedly containing up to 390mg.
What is the FDA’s recommended maximum daily caffeine intake?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 400mg for adults.
What lawsuits have been filed against Panera Bread regarding the Charged Lemonade beverages?
Lawsuits have been filed alleging that the Charged Lemonade beverages contributed to the deaths of Sarah Katz, 21, and Dennis Brown, 46, as well as cardiac issues suffered by Lauren Skerritt, 28.
When will Panera Bread discontinue the Charged Lemonade beverages?
Panera Bread has not specified an exact date for the discontinuation of the Charged Lemonade beverages but has announced plans to focus on a new beverage portfolio.
What new beverages will Panera Bread offer as part of its enhanced beverage portfolio?
Panera Bread’s enhanced beverage lineup will include options such as Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie, emphasizing taste, quality ingredients, and value.
Citations:
- Revell, E. (2023, April 11). Panera discontinuing caffeinated ‘Charged Lemonade’ after lawsuits. Fox Business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/panera-discontinuing-caffeinated-charged-lemonade-lawsuits
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, December 12). Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
