Ivy League Student's Tragic Death Raises Alarming Questions About Panera Bread's Charged Lemonade
A lawsuit has been filed against Panera Bread after an Ivy League student died from consuming their highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade, claiming it was not properly labeled to warn consumers.
An Ivy League student tragically lost her life after consuming Panera Bread's Charged Lemonade, according to a lawsuit filed by her family. The lawsuit claims that the beverage, which contains more caffeine than multiple cans of Red Bull, was not properly labeled to warn consumers of its potential dangers. Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student, had a heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1 and had been advised by her doctors to avoid energy drinks.
Weird since the sign clearly posted on their drinks list the amount of caffeine in the drinks !
— Eddie (@cleaner_ed) October 23, 2023
“Family files lawsuit against Panera Bread after college student who drank ‘charged lemonade’ dies
Sarah Katz, 21, had a heart condition and was not aware of the drink’s caffeine… pic.twitter.com/EsoXkoyss2
Despite her efforts to prioritize her health, she unknowingly consumed the highly caffeinated drink, resulting in cardiac arrest. Katz's roommate and close friend emphasized her vigilant nature and expressed certainty that she would not have consumed the beverage had she known its caffeine content. The lawsuit alleges that Panera Bread failed to adequately communicate the risks associated with their Charged Lemonade, offering it as part of a "Sip Club" promotion that encourages customers to consume unlimited amounts.
The beverage, advertised as a plant-based and clean option, actually contains guarana extract, a stimulant, along with an alarming amount of sugar. The large cup of Charged Lemonade that Katz purchased contained 390 milligrams of caffeine, surpassing the amount found in any size of Panera's dark roast coffee. The lawsuit argues that the drink is "defective in design" and should have included a warning about potential life-threatening effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and brain function. Panera Bread expressed their condolences to Katz's family and stated their commitment to transparency in disclosing ingredients.
They vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. According to the FDA, adults should not consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, but individual sensitivity and other factors may alter this limit. In the case of individuals with heart conditions like long QT syndrome, moderation is essential. While caffeine in small quantities is generally considered safe, energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages may pose greater risks. The lawsuit seeks to bring awareness to these dangers and protect others from experiencing similar tragedies.
