Jersey City, New Jersey – Panera Bread is making significant changes to its menu by removing the Charged Lemonade drinks following a series of lawsuits, including one tied to the tragic death of a young woman. The decision to discontinue the beverage comes after the family of Sarah Katz filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, alleging that the highly caffeinated drink led to her untimely demise.
While Panera officials did not explicitly attribute the removal of the Charged Lemonade to the legal actions, they did mention that their menu was undergoing a transformation. Elizabeth Crawford, the attorney representing the Katz family, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers of the product and ensuring its removal from the market to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old with a pre-existing heart condition, tragically passed away in September 2022 after consuming the caffeinated lemonade sold by Panera Bread. The lawsuit highlighted that the beverage was not adequately labeled, containing the equivalent of three energy drinks, a hazardous amount for individuals with underlying health issues. Despite the removal of the drink from circulation, the legal battle between the Katz family and Panera Bread continues, with a trial date set for September.
In response to the lawsuits and public outcry, Panera Bread announced that they are focusing on revamping their beverage offerings based on feedback from over 30,000 guests. The restaurant chain aims to provide a variety of options, including trendy flavors and alternatives with reduced sugar and caffeine content. Crawford expressed skepticism regarding the timing of Panera’s menu transformation, insinuating that it coincidentally aligns with the lawsuits and investigations into the safety of the Charged Lemonade.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Katz family remains determined to seek justice for Sarah and hold Panera Bread accountable for the alleged role of the beverage in her passing. The removal of the Charged Lemonade from Panera’s menu signifies a crucial step towards ensuring consumer safety and preventing similar tragedies from happening in the future. The ongoing litigation serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate product labeling and the importance of transparency in the food and beverage industry.