A Rhode Island woman has taken legal action against Panera Bread, claiming that the restaurant chain’s highly caffeinated lemonade has caused her significant cardiac damage. Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old occupational therapist and former athlete, alleges that her consumption of Panera’s Charged Lemonade has resulted in permanent heart injuries. This disturbing incident has had a profound impact on her daily life and has forced her to rely on medication to manage her condition.
Lemonade Turns Tragic for Panera Customer
According to the lawsuit, Skerritt consumed two and a half servings of Panera’s Charged Lemonade at a cafe in Greenville, Rhode Island, on April 8, 2023. Shortly after, she experienced palpitations and sought medical attention. Tests revealed that Skerritt was suffering from atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious health complications.
Skerritt’s health has continued to deteriorate, with recurrent episodes of rapid heartbeat that occur unexpectedly. These episodes have affected her ability to breathe, led to brain fog and difficulty concentrating, and caused weakness and trembling. The lawsuit also reveals that Skerritt and her husband have had to postpone their plans to start a family due to the associated risks of a high-risk pregnancy.
Not the First Incident Linked to Charged Lemonade
This is not the first lawsuit targeting Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade. In recent months, two other cases have been filed, with one blaming the lemonade for the death of an Ivy League student with a heart condition, and the other for the death of a man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder.
Panera Bread has expressed sympathy for the families involved in these cases but maintains that their products are safe. The company stands by the items on its menu and asserts that the unfortunate incidents were not caused by their products.
A Dangerous Drink With High Caffeine Content
Panera’s Charged Lemonade is advertised as plant-based and clean, with caffeine levels comparable to their Dark Roast coffee. However, the legal complaints argue that a large serving of Charged Lemonade contains more caffeine than any size of Panera’s dark roast coffee. In fact, it surpasses the caffeine content found in standard cans of energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster. The complaints also highlight that a large cup of Charged Lemonade has the equivalent of almost 30 teaspoons of sugar.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), healthy adults can generally consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. With 390 milligrams per serving, Panera’s Charged Lemonade may exceed the recommended limit.
Seeking Accountability and Change
Elizabeth Crawford, the attorney representing Skerritt and the families of the deceased, argues that Panera’s advertising was misleading. Skerritt, a health-conscious individual, chose the Charged Lemonade based on Panera’s claims. However, she was unaware of the extremely high caffeine content.
Skerritt’s life has been dramatically altered by her health condition, and she now faces a “new normal.” Tuesday’s lawsuit regards the Charged Lemonade as a dangerous and defectively designed beverage.
Following previous lawsuits, Panera Bread has implemented more detailed disclosures in its restaurants and on its website, cautioning customers to consume the Charged Lemonade in moderation. The drink is now available only behind the counter instead of in the self-serve section.
Considering the severity of the incidents and ongoing legal action, some believe that Panera should remove the Charged Lemonade from its menu entirely. The push for accountability and responsibility continues as affected individuals seek justice and prevent further harm.