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Panera’s Charged Lemonade is under fire from consumers and regulators after a lawsuit alleges the highly caffeinated drink causes long-term health problems and even death.
Now, the chain has decided to phase out the drink as part of a comprehensive menu change.
Related: ‘Should be 100% illegal’: Woman reveals shocking amount of caffeine in Panera lemonade
“We asked more than 30,000 guests what they want from Panera, and then we learned what we know guests want, from exciting, on-trend flavors to low-sugar, low-caffeine options. We focus on a wide range of beverages,” a Panera spokesperson said. CNBC.
according to bloombergPanera will begin discontinuing the drink within the next two weeks and will instead offer a “wide range of beverages” including blueberry lavender lemonade, pomegranate hibiscus tea, citrus punch, and tropical green smoothie.
The drink is at the center of three major lawsuits, two of which were filed on behalf of the families of 21-year-old Sarah Katz and 46-year-old Dennis Brown. Both men reportedly ingested charged lemonade and died due to chronic illness.
Another lawsuit filed in January alleges that 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt developed long-term heart disease after ingesting two and a half bottles of Panera’s Charged Lemo Andes.
“If you put an innocuous product like lemonade in an innocuous bakery cafe like Panera, would a reasonable consumer think they are essentially drinking three Red Bulls?” said Elizabeth Crawford, Mr. Skerritt’s lawyer. he said. in time. “Everything in her life has changed because of this situation.”
According to Panera’s nutrition facts, one large 30 oz serving of Charged Lemonade It contains Contains 390 mg of caffeine in addition to guarana extract, a natural stimulant.
RELATED: Panera sued: Suspected heart disease related to charged lemonade
According to the FDA: The maximum amount of caffeine an average adult can safely consume per day is 400 mg, but the average adult consumes approximately 135 mg of caffeine per day.
Panera did not immediately respond. Entrepreneur‘s Request for comments.