Parents of College Student File Lawsuit Against Panera Bread for Death Caused by Caffeinated Drink

A lawsuit has been filed against Panera Bread by the parents of a college student who died after drinking the restaurant chain’s Charged Lemonade. The parents allege that the drink contains more caffeine than Red Bull and Monster Energy Drink combined and no consumer warning.

The lawsuit, filed by the parents of Sarah Katz, claims that Panera’s Charged Lemonade is “unreasonably dangerous” and that the company has failed to warn customers of its high levels of caffeine and sugar. The lawsuit also alleges that Panera knew or should have known that the drink could injure people with underlying heart problems.

Katz, a 21-year-old student at the University of Pennsylvania, drank the Charged Lemonade on Sept. 10, 2022 and suffered cardiac arrest, leading to her death. Katz had been diagnosed with the heart condition Long QT Type 1 Syndrome as a child.

The lawsuit is seeking damages for the parents’ loss of their daughter, as well as punitive damages for Panera’s alleged negligence. The lawsuit also seeks an injunction to prevent Panera from selling the Charged Lemonade without warning customers of its potential health risks.

Panera has yet to comment on the lawsuit. In the meantime, customers are advised to exercise caution when consuming the Charged Lemonade or any other caffeinated beverage.