TRENTON, NJ – The death of a 21-year-old New Jersey college student after consuming a highly caffeinated drink has ignited a nationwide call for stronger caffeine labeling laws, with a new federal bill now making its way to Capitol Hill. The student, identified by her family as Sarah Katz, went into cardiac arrest in 2022 after drinking a “Charged Lemonade” from a popular restaurant chain — a beverage later found to contain up to 390 milligrams of caffeine, roughly equal to three to four energy drinks.
Her mother, Joel Katz, says her daughter had a preexisting heart condition and was always cautious about what she ate and drank, unaware that the lemonade-style drink packed such a potent dose. “People need to know what they’re putting in their bodies,” Katz told PIX11 News. “If she had known, she never would have touched it.”
Since Sarah’s death, the Katz family has turned their grief into advocacy, joining forces with New Jersey Representative Robin to introduce the proposed Federal Caffeine Safety Act — a measure that would require companies to display clear caffeine content labels on packaging and mandate that restaurants flag menu items containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine.
Push for nationwide caffeine transparency
Health experts and cardiologists say the legislation is overdue. Caffeine content in many energy and “charged” beverages often varies widely, and most consumers have little understanding of how their bodies might respond to large doses. “You can’t assume everyone metabolizes caffeine the same way,” said one cardiologist interviewed by PIX11. “Labeling is essential to protect vulnerable individuals.”
The restaurant chain, Panera Bread, at the center of the controversy has since removed the “Charged Lemonade” from its menu following multiple lawsuits and growing public scrutiny. Consumer safety advocates hope the tragedy will lead to broader reform in how caffeine-heavy beverages are marketed and disclosed nationwide.
Key developments:
- 21-year-old Sarah Katz died after consuming a 390 mg “Charged Lemonade” in 2022.
- Her family and Rep. Robin introduced the Federal Caffeine Safety Act to mandate clear labeling.
- The restaurant chain has pulled the drink from its menu amid ongoing legal challenges.
For the Katz family, the effort has become a mission to transform heartbreak into public awareness. “Grief doesn’t restore what’s lost,” Katz said. “But maybe it can help protect someone else’s child.”
