FDA 'Gathering Information' After Woman Allegedly Died Drinking Panera's Charged Lemonade

Chris Malone Méndez
·2 min read
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For over a year, the parents of late University of Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz have been searching for answers after her death by cardiac arrest in September 2022. The culprit, they believe, was a cup of Charged Lemonade from Panera Bread, leading them to file a lawsuit against the company.

Now, the Food and Drug Administration is getting involved. Yesterday, the federal agency issued a statement on the complaint.

"The FDA is saddened to hear of the passing of a consumer and as always, takes seriously reports of illnesses or injury from regulated products," it said in a statement to CBS News.

"At this point, we are gathering information about this event," the statement added. "The agency monitors the marketplace of FDA-regulated products and takes action as appropriate, including collaborating with the Federal Trade Commission regarding marketing claims."

The lawsuit claims Panera didn't alert customers to the caffeine levels in the Charged Lemonade. "Panera Charged Lemonade does not declare the total quantity of caffeine from all sources on the container itself. Rather, it merely compares it to an unspecified size of Panera Dark Roast coffee, a beverage which does not contain the added stimulants of sugar and guaraná," the suit alleged, adding the beverage is "a dangerous energy drink."

Related: The Guide to Caffeinated Teas

According to the filing, a 30-ounce serving of Charged Lemonade contains as much as 390 milligrams of caffeine—more than the caffeine levels of a Red Bull and a Monster energy drink combined at about 274. Katz had a heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1 and avoided energy drinks at all costs, per her doctor's recommendations. By marketing and serving it alongside other non-caffeinated juice drinks, Panera allegedly gave the impression that it was simply another juice beverage.

"We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family," the chain said in a statement in response to the lawsuit. "At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter."

If you're ever tempted by the Charged Lemonade the next time you go to Panera, consider just how much caffeine you'll be ingesting compared to your normal intake.