A second wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Panera Bread, alleging that the lack of warnings about the high caffeine content in their “Charged Lemonade” led to a customer’s fatal cardiac arrest.
Dennis Brown, a 46-year-old with high blood pressure, died after consuming the beverage unknowingly.
This follows a similar case involving 21-year-old Sarah Katz.
Both lawsuits claim proper regulation and advertising by Panera could have prevented these tragic incidents.
Panera maintains the safety of its products, stating the lawsuits are without merit.
Brown, a Publix Super Markets employee, had a routine of visiting Panera, where he habitually consumed the Charged Lemonade.
The lawsuit contends the beverage lacked adequate warnings about its potentially harmful effects.
Despite Panera’s current online warning, the lawsuit alleges that at the time of Brown’s consumption, the drink was offered without clear differentiation from less-caffeinated options.
The Charged Lemonade’s caffeine content exceeds that of a large Dark Roast coffee and three regular cans of Red Bull.
The beverage also contains stimulants like coffee extract, guarana extract, and a high sugar content.
The lawsuit argues that Panera’s negligence in warning consumers about these elements led to Brown’s tragic death.
