Lawsuits have been filed against Panera Bread, alleging that their caffeinated beverages led to ‘permanent’ heart issues for one customer and the wrongful death of two others. This unusual case has sparked concerns about the potential health risks of seemingly innocuous beverages.
The Allegations
The latest lawsuit, brought forth by an athlete reporting no underlying health concerns, claims that the caffeinated lemonade sold by Panera Bread caused significant and permanent damage to her heart. According to the plaintiff, the undisclosed presence of caffeine in the lemonade led to unforeseen health complications, ultimately resulting in long-term heart issues. The complaint filed in January states that the plaintiff is now required to take daily medication and that her heart issues have seriously impacted her ability to “work, exercise, and socialize”, as reported by NBC News.
Two previous lawsuits against Panera allege that “charged” lemonade led to the wrongful death of two customers. The first wrongful death lawsuit, filed in October 2023, involved a 21-year-old woman who is said to have died after ingesting the drink seven times over two weeks. In September 2022, the first wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the chain after a college student with a heart condition allegedly died after consuming the beverage.
While the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises healthy adults to consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, one large Panera Charged Lemonade contains 390 milligrams of caffeine. Although there is no proven safe dosage of caffeine for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children between the ages of twelve and eighteen have no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day.
The Response from Panera Bread
In response to the allegations, Panera Bread has reiterated its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. The company has stated that it takes these allegations seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation. Panera Bread has also emphasized its adherence to industry standards and regulations regarding the labeling and disclosure of ingredients in its products. Panera characterized the allegations as “equally without merit” in response to the second lawsuit.
Implications and Concerns
The lawsuits against Panera raise important questions about the transparency of ingredient labeling in the food and beverage industry. Consumers rely on accurate and comprehensive labeling to make informed choices about the products they consume. The presence of undisclosed caffeine in a beverage marketed as lemonade has brought attention to the need for greater transparency and clarity in labeling practices.
Moreover, the potential health implications of consuming caffeinated beverages unknowingly highlight the importance of clear and accessible information for consumers. It also underscores the need for companies to prioritize consumer safety by ensuring that their products are accurately labeled and that potential risks are communicated.
The Food and Beverage Industry Must Prioritize Consumer Safety
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that companies bear in providing transparent and accurate information about their products. Businesses in the food and beverage industry must prioritize consumer well-being by upholding rigorous standards of disclosure and transparency.
However, when businesses do not uphold their duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumer consumption, then they must be held accountable. At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, our attorneys have over three decades of experience fighting to recover just compensation for the losses suffered by victims of dangerous products. If you or a loved one has been injured by defective or dangerous products our dedicated attorneys will fight to get the justice, recovery, and compensation you deserve. Call (305) 662-6178 and speak to an attorney today.
Sources:
https://time.com/6343483/panera-bread-charged-lemonade-wrongful-death-lawsuit/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-much-caffeine-health-effects/
