In a troubling incident, a family from New England has filed a lawsuit against Panera Bread after their daughter was mistakenly served a grilled cheese sandwich containing peanut butter, despite the child’s severe peanut allergy. The parents, Mark and Lisa Thompson, consistently inform restaurant staff about their 6-year-old daughter’s allergy when ordering.
On January 28, during an online order, they explicitly noted her allergy twice. However, the sandwich was delivered with a substantial amount of peanut butter. Initially, the child, who was five at the time, did not exhibit any severe symptoms, leading their doctor to recommend Benadryl. However, her condition deteriorated, prompting the pediatrician to advise a hospital visit. At the hospital, she developed hives, necessitating an epinephrine injection, as reported by the Boston Herald.
The lawsuit accuses Panera of negligence, claiming an employee added the peanut butter knowingly, despite awareness of the child’s life-threatening condition. In response, Panera stated that the inclusion of the allergy information on the order was a factor in the mishap. After reaching out to the restaurant, Mark Thompson was met with repeated apologies from the manager, who attributed the error to a misunderstanding potentially caused by a language barrier.
Panera’s website cautions customers about potential allergen exposure, stating, “Please note that we cannot guarantee that any of our menu items are free of allergens due to shared equipment and common allergen handling practices.” The incident has sparked a heated discussion online, with parents divided on how best to manage food allergies.
Some parents argue that mentioning allergies is unnecessary for common food items like grilled cheese, while others emphasize the importance of vocalizing allergies to avoid dangerous situations. A father recounted his own experiences with food allergies, asserting that parents should always disclose allergies to restaurant staff. Others suggested that families with severe allergies should consider preparing food at home to eliminate risks of cross-contamination.
Ultimately, the ongoing debate raises significant questions about the best practices for safeguarding individuals with food allergies in public dining settings. As more families share their perspectives, the complexities surrounding food safety continue to be a pressing issue.
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Summary
A New England family has sued Panera Bread after their daughter, who has a severe peanut allergy, was served a grilled cheese sandwich with peanut butter. Despite notifying the restaurant of her allergy, the incident led to a hospital visit where she required an epinephrine injection. The case has ignited a discussion on how food allergies should be managed in restaurants, with opinions varying widely among parents and food service workers.
Keyphrase
Panera peanut butter allergy lawsuit
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