Family sues Panera Bread after college student who drank Charged Lemonade dies (nbcnews.com)
Ok, potentially an unpopularar opinion, but…
I don’t think a lawsuit against Panera is the long-term answer here. Yes, the family is grieving. Yes, they are reaching out for anyone to blame. I totally understand that. I would be, too. It’s tragic, and feels needless. And preventable.
Having said that, though, I don’t think suing Panera for carrying the drink does any real good. There should be a way in our legal system to sue “for change”, not just sue for damages. Things need to change in this case for the betterment of all, not simply charge Panera money for this particular situation.
Yes, Panera should put more stringent labels on this thing. But I also think patrons of Panera (or any other restaurant) should be viligent in knowing what they put in their body. I am NOT trying to blame this girl, far from it. But I do think if you have a condition like hers, I would be extremely cautious when trying anything that uses the word “charged” in it. If it’s not known, then don’t drink it. I know that seems callous, but I have to think that people with peanut allergies treat every food they come across with kid gloves. Because their body can’t handle everything out there. And they are aware, and act appropriately.
Just my two pennies.
