Panda Express to pay $1M to settle charges of mishandling beverage station carbon dioxide

The parent of Panda Express faces more than $1 million in civil penalties and other costs related to charges of mishandling carbon dioxide used for its beverage fountains.

The penalties stemmed from a civil lawsuit filed in Riverside County Superior Court alleging that the fast-casual chain violated California's hazardous materials laws, which require that workers be trained on the safe handling of carbon dioxide used in soda drinks.

Typically stored in tanks in restaurants, carbon dioxide is safe, if handled properly. But if mishandled, the gas can leak unnoticed, which can cause health problems or even be lethal. California businesses that use carbon dioxide are required to train employees and also to file reports certifying that training has been conducted.

Following investigations in Riverside, Marin, San Francisco, San Joaquin and Solano counties, the lawsuit alleged that Panda Express workers were not receiving the required training. In addition, parent company Panda Restaurant Group did not disclose employee training information, as required, to ensure the safety of first responders, employees and customers, according to a statement from Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin.

Hestrin was joined in the complaint by 37 other county district attorneys, as well as two city attorneys.

Under the settlement, Panda Express will be ordered to pay $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 in supplemental environmental projects, and $75,000 in cost reimbursement. The company is also required to comply with health and safety laws at more than 500 restaurants it operates in California during the next five years.

Panda Express did not immediately respond to requests for comment.