Panera Bread Faces Lawsuit Following Tragic Death of College Student
Panera Bread is currently embroiled in a lawsuit brought forth by the family of Sarah Katz, a college student who tragically passed away after consuming a highly caffeinated beverage from the chain. The lawsuit reveals that Sarah had a pre-existing heart condition known as Long QT Type 1 Syndrome, which negatively affected her heart rhythm. To manage her condition, Sarah diligently abstained from energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages.
According to the lawsuit, on September 10, 2022, Sarah consumed a 30-ounce Charged Lemonade from Panera Bread and subsequently passed away later that day. The drink she ordered contains approximately 390 milligrams of caffeine, equating to four cups of black coffee. Although Panera advertises the lemonade as “plant-based and clean” and compares its caffeine content to that of their Dark Roast coffee, the chain fails to specify the serving size. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating Sarah’s death.
However, Panera’s Charged Lemonade is not the only caffeinated beverage raising concerns. Prime Energy, a brand founded by YouTuber Logan Paul and boxer KSI, contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per can and has gained popularity among children. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called upon the FDA to investigate Prime due to its high caffeine content, stating that it specifically targets children under the age of 18. Other energy drinks such as Reign, with 300 milligrams of caffeine per can, and Ghost, with 200 milligrams of caffeine, are also attracting attention for their high caffeine levels and child-friendly branding.
So, how can parents navigate this potentially dangerous landscape? Experts offer their insights.
How Concerned Should Parents Be About Caffeinated Drinks for Kids?
While doctors strongly caution against children consuming caffeine, many of these drinks have faced criticism for their marketing methods that seem to target children and teenagers. The FDA acknowledges that most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day; however, their recommendations for children differ significantly.
“Pediatricians advise against caffeine consumption for children under the age of 12 and caution against energy drink consumption for all children and teenagers,” says Dr. Tracy Zaslow, a pediatrician and specialist in pediatric sports medicine.
Dr. David Stone, a pediatric cardiologist, concurs, emphasizing the simplicity of the guidance: “Avoid caffeine for kids.”
What Are the Concerns?
“Excessive caffeine intake can cause tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and more,” warns Jamie Alan, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology. “Very high doses can even lead to coma, seizures, and high blood pressure.”
Children can experience significant side effects from caffeine, with some being more sensitive than others. However, there is a paucity of studies on this topic. Dr. Zaslow points out that while caffeine appears safe for adults, its effects on children and adolescents may vary due to concerns about its impact on their developing neurological and cardiovascular systems.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) adds the following long-term effects associated with caffeine use in kids:
- Sleep problems
- Irritability and mood issues
- Increased stress hormone levels
- Increased tolerance and craving for caffeine
- Withdrawal symptoms when caffeine intake is decreased or ceased
- Higher risk of panic, anger, violence, risky behavior, and substance abuse
- Elevated sugar intake when consuming sugary caffeinated products
“Energy drinks pose a danger to young people who may not be aware of the substantial amount of caffeine they are ingesting,” Zaslow warns. Marketing tactics employed by these drinks can also be confusing for both children and parents, according to Alan, who describes Panera’s language surrounding its Charged Lemonade as “highly misleading.”
What Age and Serving Size Is Appropriate for These Drinks?
The American Academy of Pediatrics explicitly states that children should not consume caffeinated beverages, and the AACAP recommends limiting caffeine intake for children aged 12 and older to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day.
What Symptoms Should Parents Look Out For?
The AACAP advises parents to watch for the following symptoms of caffeine consumption in children:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness, hyperactivity, and anxiety
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Tremors and dizziness
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Improved focus and completion of tasks
“Patients tend to consume less water when consuming energy drinks, and when combined with caffeine’s diuretic effects, this can have a double negative impact,” warns Dr. Stone. Symptoms of caffeine overdose may include: vomiting, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, heart rhythm abnormalities, disorientation, and hallucinations, according to the AACAP.
How to Discuss Energy Drinks with Kids
Alan advises parents to have open discussions about energy drinks and explain why it is important to avoid them, rather than simply forbidding their consumption. “The caffeine content is much higher than most people anticipate,” she explains. Zaslow also recommends educating children about the differences between energy drinks and sports drinks, which they may come across regularly.
“Sports drinks are flavored beverages that often contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes, and sometimes vitamins or other nutrients,” Zaslow explains. “Energy drinks, on the other hand, typically contain stimulants like caffeine and guarana, as well as varying amounts of carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, vitamins, sodium, and other minerals.”
Overall, experts strongly advise that children, especially young ones, should stay away from energy drinks. “Avoid these highly caffeinated beverages for children,” Alan concludes.