A tragic occurrence happened when Sarah Katz, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, tragically died after ingesting a Panera Bread beverage.
This incident has led to a lawsuit that underscores the hidden risks associated with seemingly innocent drinks.
Pennsylvania Lawsuit Exposes Innocent Drink Dangers
Katz, 21, had a heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1, a disorder of the heart’s electrical system, which she diligently managed following her doctors’ advice. Her doctors had specifically cautioned her against energy drinks.
On September 10, 2022, Katz purchased a Panera Charged Lemonade, believing it to be a safe, plant-based beverage. However, what she did not realize was that this seemingly innocuous drink contained a shocking amount of caffeine – 390 milligrams, more than what’s found in cans of popular energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster combined.
The equivalent of over 30 tablespoons of sugar was also present, along with guarana extract, another stimulant. In the case, which was brought on behalf of Katz’s parents, it is claimed that Panera misled customers with its plant-based and clean marketing by failing to adequately alert them to the excessive caffeine and stimulants in their Charged Lemonade.
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Katz’s Tragic Passing Spotlights Food Safety Concerns
The large-sized Charged Lemonade has more caffeine than any size of Panera’s dark roast coffee, which is a stark contrast to what one would typically expect from lemonade.
Katz’s sudden cardiac arrest, a few hours after consuming the beverage, is a tragic reminder that seemingly safe drinks can have severe consequences for individuals with underlying health conditions. Long QT syndrome patients are typically advised to consume caffeine in moderation, making it even more important for Panera to have provided adequate warnings.
While Katz’s medical examiner’s report did not directly attribute her death to the beverage, it cannot be ignored that the excessive caffeine intake likely played a significant role in her cardiac arrhythmia.
The lawsuit underscores the need for greater transparency and appropriate labeling, especially in the food and beverage industry, to protect individuals from unexpected and potentially fatal consequences.
Katz’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of food safety and awareness when it comes to hidden ingredients and their potential risks.
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