Tragedy Strikes: Family Files Lawsuit Against Panera Bread After Student’s Death
PHILADELPHIA – The family of a 21-year-old student who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest after consuming a lemonade drink has filed a negligence lawsuit against the popular restaurant chain, Panera Bread. The lawsuit claims that the beverage, known as “charged lemonade,” contained more caffeine than many commercial energy drinks and was not properly labeled to warn consumers about the potential dangers.
The lawsuit was filed in a Philadelphia court on behalf of the parents of Sarah Katz, a promising student at the University of Pennsylvania. Katz, who suffered from a heart condition called Long QT Syndrome Type 1, had diligently avoided energy drinks due to her condition. However, on Sept. 10, 2022, she drank a loaded lemonade that was part of a monthly restaurant subscription she had recently signed up for.
According to the American Heart Association, Long QT Syndrome Type 1 is a disorder that affects the heart’s electrical system, potentially leading to abnormal heart rhythms. While it can be controlled with medication, exercise and stress can trigger episodes. Katz had been managing her condition well until that fateful day.
The lawsuit asserts that the loaded lemonade was advertised as a “plant-based” drink and was offered alongside Panera Bread’s other caffeine-free and low-caffeinated beverages. However, it contained a whopping 368 milligrams of caffeine, more than any size of Panera’s dark roast coffee. Additionally, the beverage contained guarana extract, another stimulant, and an alarming amount of sugar, equivalent to almost 30 teaspoons.
Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at the law firm representing Katz’s family, Kline & Specter, PC, stated, “Everyone assumes that lemonade is safe. But this is not your typical lemonade; it’s a lemon-flavored energy drink. There should have been a proper warning.”
Crawford argued that such beverages lack industry regulation and fail to provide sufficient warnings about potential health risks, including fatal effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and brain function. The family’s attorney emphasized the need for stricter regulations and clearer labeling to protect the consumers.
The tragic incident occurred when Katz collapsed several hours after consuming the loaded lemonade while attending a friend’s birthday gathering at a restaurant. Emergency personnel swiftly transported her to the hospital, where she suffered another cardiac arrest, ultimately leading to her untimely demise.
Friend Victoria Rose Conroy expressed her grief, stating, “She was taken from us so soon, and she shouldn’t have been. She had so much more to give.”
A medical examiner’s report revealed that Katz’s cause of death was a cardiac arrhythmia due to QT syndrome. While the report did not mention the beverage consumption as a direct contributor, it indicated that there were no other medications in her system besides those administered by the hospital during resuscitation efforts.
Panera Bread has yet to issue a statement regarding the lawsuit or address the concerns raised by the family. As the legal battle commences, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparent labeling and corporate responsibility in the food and beverage industry.