Panera Bread Hit with Second Wrongful Death Lawsuit over Charged Lemonade

Panera Bread finds itself embroiled in another legal battle, this time facing a second wrongful death lawsuit linked to its highly caffeinated “Charged Lemonade” beverage. The lawsuit follows the tragic death of 46-year-old Dennis Brown of Fleming Island, Florida, who allegedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after consuming three Charged Lemonades at a local Panera Bread on October 9th.

This new lawsuit comes just months after the family of 21-year-old Sarah Katz filed a similar complaint against Panera Bread. Katz, a college student with a pre-existing heart condition, died in September 2022 after drinking a single Charged Lemonade. Both lawsuits allege that Panera Bread failed to adequately warn consumers about the high caffeine content of the beverage, which contains roughly 640mg of caffeine per 20oz serving. This is equivalent to about five cups of coffee or four 16oz cans of Red Bull.

The plaintiffs in both cases argue that Panera Bread’s marketing and labeling for the Charged Lemonade downplayed the potential risks associated with its high caffeine content. They claim that the drink’s cheerful branding and lack of clear warnings about caffeine could mislead consumers, particularly those with underlying health conditions or sensitivities to caffeine.

In response to the first lawsuit, Panera Bread updated its mobile app with a cautionary message advising moderation and highlighting that the Charged Lemonade is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine. However, the plaintiffs in the new lawsuit argue that these measures are insufficient and that Panera Bread should take further steps to warn consumers, such as including prominent caffeine content information on the packaging and in-store menus.

The future of the Charged Lemonade and its legal implications remain uncertain. While Panera Bread maintains that its product is safe when consumed responsibly, these lawsuits raise important questions about caffeine content disclosure and consumer awareness. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for the food and beverage industry, potentially requiring stricter regulations and increased transparency regarding caffeine content in various products.

As these legal battles unfold, it is crucial for consumers to be informed about the potential risks associated with consuming highly caffeinated beverages, especially those with underlying health conditions or sensitivities to caffeine. By staying informed and exercising caution, consumers can make informed decisions about the products they choose and prioritize their health and well-being.

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