A third lawsuit has been filed against Panera Bread’s ‘Charged Lemonade,’ alleging that it caused permanent heart damage. Panera Bread’s ‘Charged Lemonade’ is reported to contain 390 mg of caffeine, which approaches the maximum daily limit specified by the FDA.
The latest lawsuit has been filed by a consumer, 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt, who claims to have suffered permanent cardiac injuries after consuming Panera Bread’s ‘Charged Lemonade,’ which allegedly had an abnormally high concentration of caffeine.
Skerritt, a therapist with no prior health problems, stated that she experienced foggy brain, body shakes, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and an inability to think after consuming the caffeinated beverage. She alleges that she now has to take medication regularly for her heart condition, severely impacting her work and social life.
The complainant filed the lawsuit in a Delaware court, stating that she consumed two-and-a-half Charged Lemonades from a Panera in Greenville, Rhode Island, in April. She had to be rushed to an emergency center after experiencing heart palpitations, body shivering, and an inability to think. Her condition was diagnosed as atrial fibrillation after undergoing tests at the emergency center. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular, increasing the risk of a stroke. The lawsuit also claims that episodes of increased heartbeats occurred recurrently without any discernible pattern.
In December, another lawsuit was filed, alleging that the lemonade drink caused the death of a 46-year-old consumer named Dennis Brown from Florida. It is claimed that Brown had consumed the lemonade with his dinner at Panera Bread and collapsed while walking home. It was discovered that Brown had been consuming the lemonade for the past six days. He was also a member of Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club, which offers members unlimited drinks.
According to information from Panera’s menu, a fully Charged Lemonade contains 390 mg of caffeine, just below the 400 mg daily maximum intake recommended by the FDA. Panera’s 30-ounce charged lemonade contains more caffeine than other competitor brands like Red Bull or Monster energy drinks.
When the lawsuit was filed, Panera dismissed it as without merit and called Brown’s passing unfortunate but not caused by the consumption of any of the company’s products. The company added that its products are safe for consumption.
Another lawsuit was filed in October, alleging that Panera’s Charged Lemonades caused the death of 21-year-old Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student. Katz, who suffered from a heart ailment and avoided caffeine, was reportedly unaware that Panera lemonade contained a high percentage of caffeine.
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