Panera Removes Controversial Charged Lemonade from Self-Serve Fountains in Some Locations Following Lawsuits 

Panera seemingly regulates their Charged Lemonade.

After multiple lawsuits were filed against the company, alleging the drink caused health problems and in some cases deaths, the fast-casual chain has now removed self-serve water fountains from some locations.

“Looking for loaded sips? You can pick up your order at the Rapid Pick-Up shelf or at the pick-up counter. Ask an associate if you need help finding your drink,” reads a sign at some Panera locations, as confirmed by PEOPLE. The new policy dictates that customers cannot serve themselves lemonade or get refills, but must rely on an employee to do so.

Panera did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment and clarification.

In October, after the first complaint against the chain was filed, some Panera locations posted signs in front of lemonade machines with a heightened warning.

Parents are suing Panera, claiming their ‘loaded lemonade’ contributed to the death of their daughter with a heart condition

Panera is removing controversial bottled lemonade from self-serve fountains at some locations.

Antonio DeBianchi

“Contains CAFFEINE – consume in moderation. NOT RECOMMENDED for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant and lactating women,” the signs read.

Panera customer Lauren Skerritt filed a lawsuit against the bakery chain on January 16. The 28-year-old athlete claimed that drinking Charged Lemonade caused “permanent heart damage” despite having “no underlying medical conditions,” according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.

On April 8, Skerritt, an occupational therapist who played soccer and often competed in steeplechase races, drank two and a half filled lemonades from a Panera in Greenville, Rhode Island. After that, she experienced several episodes of heart palpitations, which she says she had never experienced before, which is why she went to the hospital.

Panera loaded lemonade.

Antonio DeBianchi

While in the hospital, she experienced a syncopal episode. She was moved to intensive care because her heart rate was between 180 and 190. She visited the hospital again on Aug. 30 to be treated for early-onset atrial fibrillation, and tests showed no evidence of underlying structural heart disease, according to the complaint .

Before drinking lemonade, Skerritt was “exercising regularly”, but now, months after consuming the drink, Skerritt says she can no longer exercise, socialize or work in the same capacity. The complaint also claims that since drinking the lemonades, Skerritt has experienced shortness of breath, palpitations, brain fog, difficulty thinking and concentrating, body tremors and weakness. He takes medication daily to regulate his heartbeat and rhythm.

Lauren Skerritt.

Courtesy of Elizabeth Crawford

Panera locations install new warning on filled lemonade machine after customer’s death lawsuit

A regular serving of Panera’s Charged Lemonade contains 260 milligrams of caffeine, while a large has 390 milligrams, according to Panera’s website. The drink is advertised as having “as much caffeine as our Dark Roast coffee”.

Dennis Brown died on October 9 after drinking three cups of Panera’s Charged Lemonade. Brown’s cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by hypertensive disease, according to the death certificate provided by Elizabeth Crawford of Kline and Specter, PC.

Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old college student with a heart condition, died in September 2022 after drinking Panera’s caffeinated lemonade. According to the medical examiner’s report obtained by PEOPLE, Katz’s cause of death was “cardiac arrhythmia caused by long QT syndrome.”

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Sarah Katz this morning, and our hearts go out to her family,” a Panera spokesperson told PEOPLE in October 2023. “At Panera, we strongly believe in the transparency of our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this thing.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education