In response to multiple lawsuits and customer feedback, Panera Bread has announced that it will be phasing out its Charged Lemonade, a highly caffeinated beverage that has been linked to at least two deaths. The decision to discontinue the beverage comes as part of a "recent menu transformation" based on feedback from over 30,000 guests, according to a spokesperson for the restaurant chain.

The controversy surrounding Charged Lemonade first arose in October, when the family of 21-year-old Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition, filed a lawsuit after she passed away following the consumption of the beverage. Another lawsuit was filed in December by the family of Dennis Brown, a Florida man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder, who also died after drinking Charged Lemonade. A third lawsuit was filed in January by Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old Rhode Island woman, who claimed to have suffered "permanent cardiac injuries" as a result of consuming the beverage.

Previously, Panera touted its Charged Lemonade as a "Plant-based and Clean" beverage with as much caffeine as its Dark Roast coffee. However, the lawsuits highlighted that a large, 30-fluid-ounce Charged Lemonade contained 390 milligrams of caffeine, more than any size of Panera's dark roast coffee. Panera has since updated its nutritional information to reflect the amount of caffeine in the beverage, with the large blood orange Charged Lemonade now listed as containing 302 milligrams.

In light of these developments, Panera has decided to discontinue the Charged Lemonade nationwide. The restaurant chain will be focusing on providing a broad range of beverages that cater to the desires of their guests, including on-trend flavors, low sugar options, and low-caffeine alternatives.

Following the first lawsuit, Panera added more detailed disclosures in all of its restaurants and on its website, cautioning customers to consume Charged Lemonade in moderation and advising against its consumption by children, individuals sensitive to caffeine, and pregnant or nursing women. Friends of Sarah Katz believe that she was unaware of the caffeine content in the beverage she purchased before her tragic passing.

Panera expressed sympathy for the Katz and Brown families but maintained that they believed the products on their menu were safe. The restaurant chain did not comment on the third lawsuit. However, on Monday evening, Panera employees revealed that they received memos from higher-level staff stating that ingredients to make Charged Lemonade would no longer be ordered. The memo indicated that the beverage would be replaced within two weeks.

While some Panera employees were unaware of these changes, Elizabeth Crawford, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuits, praised Panera's decision to discontinue Charged Lemonade. She stated that this step would help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

While discontinuing Charged Lemonade may not bring back those who have tragically lost their lives or regain the former life of those affected, it is seen as a significant move to protect consumers and prevent any further harm. Panera's decision reflects their commitment to listening to their customers' concerns and ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests.