Panera to Stop Selling Charged Lemonade Drink Following Legal Disputes

Panera’s Charged Lemonade, a highly caffeinated beverage, has come under scrutiny for its alleged role in causing long-term health problems and even death. In response to mounting lawsuits and consumer concerns, the chain has announced plans to phase out the drink as part of a broader menu overhaul.

After listening to feedback from over 30,000 guests, Panera has decided to discontinue the Charged Lemonade and introduce a variety of new beverages to cater to different preferences. The new offerings will include a blueberry lavender lemonade, a pomegranate hibiscus tea, a citrus punch, and a tropical green smoothie.

The decision to remove the Charged Lemonade comes in the wake of three major lawsuits linking the beverage to serious health issues and fatalities. Families of individuals like Sarah Katz and Dennis Brown have filed lawsuits claiming that the drink contributed to their loved ones’ deaths due to pre-existing medical conditions. Another lawsuit alleged that a young woman developed long-term heart problems after consuming multiple servings of the drink.

With one large serving of the Charged Lemonade containing 390 mg of caffeine and guarana extract, well above the recommended daily limit set by the FDA, concerns over the beverage’s safety have been raised. Panera has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.

As Panera prepares to remove the controversial drink from its menu, consumers and regulators will be watching closely to see how the chain addresses the fallout from the Charged Lemonade controversy.