"Marin County and other jurisdictions in California have reached a settlement of more than $1 million with Panda Express in a lawsuit alleging violations of health-and-safety laws. The case involved the carbon dioxide containers the fast-food chain uses for its carbonated fountain beverage systems. The prosecution alleged that the company failed to train its employees to handle the carbon dioxide properly. Prosecutors in Riverside County led the lawsuit and filed it there. The county has about 30 Panda Express restaurants."
"If not handled properly, carbon dioxide can leak unnoticed, displacing oxygen from the air, which can result in serious health effects or even death, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office said in a statement Tuesday. In most jurisdictions, California businesses that use carbon dioxide are required by law to train employees on safe handling practices and how to detect leaks from tanks and supply lines. Panda Express failed to do so, the prosecution alleged."
"This settlement was reached after Panda Express took steps to come into compliance with California law by properly training Panda Express employees and updating and reporting training records, the statement said. The company is based in Los Angeles County and operates more than 2,500 restaurants in the U.S., according to its website. Under the stipulated judgment, Panda Express agreed to pay $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 for supplemental environmental projects and $75,000 in reimbursements for legal, investigative and enforcement costs."
Marin County and other California jurisdictions settled for more than $1 million with Panda Express over alleged health-and-safety violations involving carbon dioxide containers used in fountain beverage systems. Prosecutors alleged the company failed to train employees on safe handling and leak detection and failed to accurately disclose employee training information required for first responder and public safety. Carbon dioxide leaks can displace oxygen and cause serious health effects or death. Panda Express implemented employee training and updated reporting to comply with California law. The stipulated judgment includes civil penalties, funding for supplemental environmental projects, and reimbursements for enforcement costs.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]