The fast-casual chain Panera Bread is facing a second lawsuit related to its line of Charged Lemonade drinks. The most recent lawsuit alleges that a 46-year-old man named Dennis Brown died in October while walking home from a Panera Bread in Florida after he consumed three Charged Lemonades, ABC News reports.
The latest wrongful death suit follows a lawsuit filed in October after a 21-year-old woman from Philadelphia who consumed the beverage died in September. Both deaths were due to cardiac arrest.
The suits allege that cardiac arrests were brought on due to the high caffeine content of the Charged Lemonade drinks, of which Panera sells three varieties: Blood Orange, Strawberry Lemon Mint, and Mango Yuze Citris.
Caffeine consumption can become more dangerous for people who have preexisting health conditions, as both the Florida man and Philadelphia woman did. After the first wrongful death suit in October, Panera altered its information about the drinks on its website to say, “Naturally flavored, plant-based. Contains caffeine. Use in moderation. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women.”
The second wrongful death suit alleges that the Charged Lemonade consumed by Brown was “offered side-by-side with all of the store’s non-caffeinated and/or less caffeinated drinks; it was not advertised as an ‘energy drink’ nor were there any warnings to consumers.”
Reached for comment, a Panera spokesperson gave Fast Company the following statement: “Panera expresses our deep sympathy for Mr. Brown’s family. Based on our investigation, we believe his unfortunate passing was not caused by one of the company’s products. We view this lawsuit, which was filed by the same law firm as a previous claim, to be equally without merit. Panera stands firmly by the safety of our products.”
As of the time of this writing, Panera’s Charged Lemonade drinks remain on sale, though ABC News says it has learned the company is working on updating the menu materials and other information about the drinks.
Recognize your brand’s excellence by applying to this year’s Brands That Matter Awards before the early-rate deadline, May 3.
