Panera Bread has reached a settlement with the family of a University of Pennsylvania student who passed away after consuming Charged Lemonade, a highly caffeinated beverage from the chain. Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old student with a heart condition known as long QT syndrome type 1, had been advised by her doctors to avoid energy drinks. In September 2022, Katz purchased a Charged Lemonade from a Panera location, and according to reports, went into cardiac arrest hours later.
The lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia by Katz’s parents, was the first of four legal actions against Panera concerning the beverage. One lawsuit alleged responsibility for a Florida man’s death, while the other two claimed that the drink caused significant heart injuries in individuals who were previously healthy. In response to these suits, Panera announced in May that it would remove Charged Lemonade from its menu nationwide.
Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at the law firm Kline & Specter, PC, which represents the plaintiffs in all four cases, confirmed the settlement but declined to provide further details. Panera has yet to comment on the settlement’s specifics. Following Katz’s death, the company expressed sorrow over the incident and committed to a thorough investigation.
Amidst the lawsuits, Panera described the discontinuation of Charged Lemonade as part of a broader “menu transformation,” despite claims in the lawsuits that it posed a health risk. The lawsuit related to Katz’s death asserted that the drink was displayed alongside Panera’s non-caffeinated options and marketed as a “plant-based and clean” beverage. It was reported to contain as much caffeine as dark roast coffee, guarana extract, and nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar.
Subsequent to the lawsuit, Panera implemented several changes, such as relocating Charged Lemonade behind the counter, updating its nutritional information to accurately reflect caffeine content when served with ice, and placing visible signs warning that the drink contained caffeine and should be consumed in moderation. The signs also advised against consumption by children, individuals sensitive to caffeine, and pregnant or nursing women.
The case involving Katz was originally scheduled to go to trial, with jury selection set for later this week.
