A New Jersey congressman has proposed a new law aimed at better caffeine labeling in food chains and energy drinks. The Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act follows the death of 21-year-old Sarah Katz, who suffered cardiac arrest after consuming Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade, a drink containing up to 390 mg of caffeine.
What the Caffeine Labeling Law Would Do
The proposed bill, led by Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ), would:
- Require menu and drive-thru disclosures for drinks with 150 mg or more of caffeine
- Mandate clear caffeine content labels on energy drinks
- Push federal studies on caffeine’s impact, especially on teens and pregnant individuals
- Educate the public on caffeine risks and marketing tactics targeting children
“We want every consumer to know what they’re drinking,” Menendez stated.
The Link to Panera’s Charged Lemonade
Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student with QT syndrome type 1, avoided caffeine due to her heart condition. However, her family believes she mistook Panera’s “Charged” Lemonade for an electrolyte drink, like Gatorade.
Caffeine Content in Charged Lemonade:
- 260 mg in a regular size
- 390 mg in a large size (more than a typical energy drink)
Katz collapsed hours after consuming the drink, suffered multiple cardiac arrests, and passed away.
Panera’s Response & Lawsuits
Following the lawsuit, Panera added warning labels to the drinks in October 2023 and removed them from self-serve stations in January 2024. By May 2024, it announced a nationwide removal of Charged Lemonades, citing a menu transformation—but did not admit wrongdoing.
Sarah Katz’s family settled their wrongful death lawsuit against Panera in October 2024. Another lawsuit involved a 46-year-old Florida man’s death and a 28-year-old’s permanent heart damage, both allegedly caused by the lemonade.
Why This Bill Matters
With caffeine overdoses rising, the bill aims to prevent misleading marketing and provide consumers with clear information. The FDA suggests a 400 mg daily caffeine limit for adults, yet many products lack proper warnings.
If passed, the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act could set a new standard for transparency in caffeine disclosures, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices about what they drink.
Source: USA Today
