Panera Bread – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by: Ken Wolter
A second wrongful death case has been brought against Panera Bread about its highly caffeinated “Charged Lemonade.”
A complaint was filed on Monday, claiming that Dennis Brown, 46, of Florida, died as a result of the lemonade drink Panera served him after he suffered a cardiac arrest outside the restaurant.
In this case, it is claimed that Brown died while going home from his employment in Florida after drinking a lemonade with his dinner at the Panera Bread nearby.
According to the lawsuit, Brown had been a member of Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club, where patrons may purchase an endless supply of drinks, and had been consuming the lemonade for six days.
A large Charged Lemonade from Panera contains 390 milligrams of caffeine, which is near the FDA’s 400-milligram daily maximum.
Additionally, the 30-ounce charged lemonade from Panera has more caffeine than the combined amounts of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks.
Concerning the complaint on Monday, Panera issued the following statement:
“Panera expresses our deep sympathy for Mr. Brown’s family. Based on our investigation we believe his unfortunate passing was not caused by one of the company’s products. We view this lawsuit which was filed by the same law firm as a previous claim to be equally without merit. Panera stands firmly by the safety of our products.”
Following the initial lawsuit against the company in October, Panera’s mobile app now features a warning that reads, “Consume in moderation, not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women.” Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student, passed away after drinking the charged lemonades.
Family and friends of Katz said she had a heart issue and generally avoided coffee; they also said it’s probable she was unaware that the drink included caffeine.
FOX Business requested comment from Panera Bread and the FDA, but neither agency responded right away.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
