Dispensers for Charged Lemondade, a caffeinated lemonade drink, at Panera Bread, Walnut Creek, California, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Panera is at the center of a lawsuit involving one of their signature ‘Charged Lemonades.’ The parents of Sarah Katz are suing the company after their 21-year-old passed away within hours of having the caffeinated drink.
In a statement to PEOPLE, the company said it’s investigating the situation.
“We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family,” a Panera spokesperson told the outlet. “At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter.”
It’s unclear which of the drink’s variations Katz consumed. However, Panera’s website does offer ingredient insight about the three available at this time. Strawberry Lemon Mint and Mango Yuzu Citrus in a 20 fl oz contain 260 mg of caffeine, while Fuji Apple Cranberry contains 259 mg. In a 30 fl oz cup, those milligrams range between 389-390 mg.
In December 2022, the ‘Charged Lemonade’ gained viral fame after a TikToker compared the mango version to a shot of espresso. In the video, while hyped on the drink, she explained why it “should be illegal.”
PEOPLE pulled the lawsuit documents, including the medical examiner’s report, which says Katz passed away on September 10, 2022. The cause of death was reportedly “cardiac arrhythmia due to Long QT syndrome.”
Katz was reportedly aware of her diagnosis. Her family first learned of her LQT Type 1 and the irregular heart rhythms it causes when she was five.
However, Katz’s parents allege that when she consumed the Panera drink, she believed it was “a traditional lemonade and/or electrolyte sports drink.” They also claim Sarah believed the drink had “a reasonable amount of caffeine safe for her to drink.”
Hours after Katz drank the Panera juice, she reportedly suffered from cardiac arrest while out with friends. After arriving at a local Pennsylvania hospital, Katz suffered another cardiac arrest and died.
The lawsuit labels the signature drink as “unreasonably dangerous.” Sarah Katz’s parents hope to “make the public aware” of the drink “to save lives,” per their attorney, Elizabeth Crawford.
There are no additional details on the lawsuit at this time.
