Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Panda Express to Pay $1.06 Million, Overhaul CO2 Safety Training in California Settlement

A coalition of California prosecutors resolved claims over carbon dioxide handling across more than 500 restaurants through a stipulated judgment.

Overview

  • The stipulated judgment was filed on Nov. 20 in Riverside County Superior Court after roughly three months of litigation.
  • Panda Express will pay $1,056,925, including $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 for supplemental environmental projects, and $75,000 in cost reimbursement.
  • Injunctive terms require five years of compliance with California Health & Safety Code chapter 6.95 and CUPA rules as well as revised CO2 training across all California locations.
  • Prosecutors alleged the company failed to provide mandatory safety instruction on carbon dioxide and did not accurately disclose employee training information to local regulators.
  • The case was led by Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin with 37 other district attorneys and two city attorneys, covering more than 500 restaurants statewide.