Panera Removes Controversial Charged Lemonade from Self-Serve Fountains in Some Locations.Photo:Antonia DeBianchi, Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty
Antonia DeBianchi, Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty
Panerais seemingly regulating theirCharged Lemonade.
After multiplelawsuitshave been filed against the company, alleging that the drink causedhealth defectsand in some casesfatalities, the fast casual chain has now removed the self-serve fountains in some locations.
Panera did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment and clarification.
In October, after the first complaint against the chain was filed, some Panera locations put up signs in front of the charged lemonade dispensers with increased warning.
Panera Removes Controversial Charged Lemonade from Self-Serve Fountains in Some Locations.Antonia DeBianchi
Antonia DeBianchi
“Contains CAFFEINE – Consume in Moderation. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women,” read the signs.
On April 8, Skerritt, an occupational therapist, who played soccer and often competed in obstacle course races, consumed two and a half Charged Lemonades from a Panera in Greenville, Rhode Island. After, she experienced several episodes of palpitations, which she says she has never experienced before, causing her to go to the hospital.
Panera Charged Lemonade.Antonia DeBianchi
While at the hospital, she experienced a syncopal episode. She was moved to critical care as her heart rate was up in the 180s to 190s. She revisited the hospital on Aug. 30 to be treated for early onset atrial fibrillation and testing showed no evidence of underlying structural heart disease, according to the complaint.
Prior to drinking the lemonades, Skerritt “worked out regularly” but now, months after consuming the beverage, Skerritt alleges that she can no longer exercise, socialize or work in the same capacity. The complaint also claims that since drinking the lemonades Skerritt has experienced shortness of breath, palpitations, brain fog, difficulty thinking and concentrating, body shakes, and weakness. She takes daily medication to regulate her heart rate and rhythm.
Lauren Skerritt.Courtesy of Elizabeth Crawford
Courtesy of Elizabeth Crawford
A regular size of the Charged Lemonade drink at Panera contains 260 milligrams of caffeine, while a large has 390 milligrams, according toPanera’s website. The drink is advertised as containing “as much caffeine as our Dark Roast coffee.”
“We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family,” a spokesperson for Panera told PEOPLE in October 2023. “At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter.”
source: people.com
