Louisville, Kentucky – Panera Bread has announced that they will be discontinuing their highly caffeinated Charged Lemonades from their menu. This decision comes after facing multiple lawsuits and allegations of deaths linked to the consumption of the beverage.
According to a Panera representative, the removal of the Charged Lemonades is part of a recent menu transformation that focuses on offering a broader array of beverages, including options with less caffeine and sugar. The decision was made after gathering feedback from over 30,000 guests about their preferences.
The Charged Lemonade drink, which contained a high caffeine content of 260 milligrams in a regular size and 390 milligrams in a large, is no longer being served due to safety concerns. Lawsuits were filed against Panera, alleging that the beverage was unreasonably dangerous and had led to tragic outcomes for some individuals.
In one case, a 21-year-old woman’s family blamed her death on the consumption of the Charged Lemonade, while in another instance, a 46-year-old man reportedly passed away after consuming multiple cups of the beverage. These incidents prompted legal actions against Panera and raised questions about the safety of the highly caffeinated drink.
As a result of the controversy surrounding the Charged Lemonade, Panera has removed the self-serve fountain dispensers of the beverage in some locations. Signs have been placed in stores directing customers to collect their orders from designated areas, indicating a shift in the availability of the controversial drink.
Despite the removal of the Charged Lemonades from the menu, it remains unclear when the self-serve fountains will be completely eliminated from all Panera stores. The company’s response to the legal challenges and negative outcomes associated with the beverage suggests a commitment to addressing customer concerns and prioritizing safety in their offerings.