Panda Express has been ordered to pay about $1 million in civil penalties, supplemental environmental projects, and cost reimbursement in a judgment in Riverside County, California, in a suit stemming from the employee handling of carbon dioxide for soda fountains, according to an announcement from the county district attorney’s office.
California alleged that Panda Express, which has about 500 restaurants in the state, failed to train its employees in the safe handling of carbon dioxide, or the detection of leaks from tanks and lines, as required by state law. According to the press release, businesses are required to file notice with local authorities over the completion of this type of employee training.
“Carbon dioxide is typically stored in tanks on-site and is widely used by restaurants,” the DA’s office wrote. “Carbon dioxide is safe if handled properly. If not handled properly, carbon dioxide can leak unnoticed, displacing oxygen from the air, which can result in serious health effects or even death.”
Before reaching the settlement, Panda Express took steps to rectify its training and reporting procedures, according to the press release. The settlement requires Panda Express to pay $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 in supplemental environmental projects and $75,000 in cost reimbursement.
Unrelated to worker training, Panda Express has previously invested considerably in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by deploying GridPoint Intelligence’s system for controlling HVAC and lighting across its system in 2024.
