Three lawsuits have been filed against Panera Bread over its highly caffeinated “Charged Lemonade” drink. The most recent suit was filed just this week and involves allegations that the drink caused one consumer to experience “permanent cardiac injuries.” The other two lawsuits, one of which was filed in December and the other in October, also allege serious health consequences from drinking the lemonade.
The latest lawsuit was filed by now-28-year-old Lauren Skerritt, who claims she had no underlying medical conditions before consuming two-and-a-half Charged Lemonades from a Panera in Rhode Island in April. She claims she experienced heart palpitations, brain fog, body shakes, shortness of breath, and difficulty thinking after drinking the highly caffeinated beverage. Skerritt was taken to the emergency room and says she has since experienced recurring episodes of rapid heartbeat. She is now seeking damages for her alleged permanent cardiac injuries.
Lauren Skerritt was an athletic, healthy 27-year-old. Then, according to lawsuit filings, she drank Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade. In the third lawsuit against Panera, she says she was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation after consuming the drinks. https://t.co/aM2H0APtDB
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 19, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines atrial fibrillation as an irregular heartbeat that can increase a person’s risk for stroke. Skerritt claims to have been diagnosed with this condition after consuming Panera’s Charged Lemonade. The lemonade contains 390 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-ounce serving, just 10 milligrams shy of the FDA’s recommended maximum daily intake. It also has more caffeine than both a Red Bull and a Monster energy drink combined.
This is not the first time Panera’s Charged Lemonade has come under scrutiny. In December, a lawsuit was filed alleging that the drink caused the death of 46-year-old Dennis Brown of Florida. Brown was a member of Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club and had been drinking the lemonade for six days before his death. The lawsuit claims that Brown suffered from heart palpitations and collapsed while walking home after consuming the lemonade with his dinner. Panera has denied any responsibility for Brown’s death, stating that the lawsuit is without merit and that they stand firmly by the safety of their products.
Wrongful death lawsuit over caffeinated lemonade #Panera
-Dennis Brown was a 46-year-old man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder, who avoided energy drinks
-He ordered a charged lemonade and is believed to have refilled his cup 2 x’s
-He suffered a cardiac arrest & died
CNN pic.twitter.com/rxF61Afn47— Kramer & Pollack, LLP (@Kramer_Pollack) December 8, 2023
In another lawsuit filed in October, 21-year-old Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student, died after allegedly drinking the charged lemonades. Katz had a pre-existing heart condition and usually avoided caffeine, according to her family and friends. They believe she may not have realized that the drink was highly caffeinated. In response, Panera has added a warning on its mobile app stating that the drink should be consumed in moderation and is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
The controversy surrounding Panera’s Charged Lemonade has raised questions about the safety of highly caffeinated drinks and the responsibility of companies to warn consumers of potential risks. With caffeine being linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and potential cardiac issues, some are calling for stricter regulations on the amount of caffeine in drinks like Panera’s Charged Lemonade. However, Panera maintains that its products are safe and that the company stands by its commitment to providing quality and healthy food options for its customers.
The outcome of these three lawsuits against Panera remains to be seen. While the company maintains its stance on the safety of its products, the allegations and potential health consequences have raised concerns among consumers. It is always important for companies to be transparent about the ingredients and potential risks associated with their products, especially when it comes to food and beverages.
