Panda Express Employees Mishandled Hazardous Chemical In Marin County, Other CA Locales: DA

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Panda Express Restaurant Group, Inc., which operates dozens of Panda Express and Panda Inn restaurants across Marin County, was ordered to pay over $1 million to resolve violations of California’s Hazardous Materials laws.

The judgment in the civil lawsuit was filed Nov. 20 in Riverside County Superior Court and stems from an investigation into the unlawful handling of hazardous materials by Panda Express at its 500-plus California restaurant locations, including several in Marin County. The Rosemead-headquartered chain specializes in fast Chinese-American cuisine.

The concern was how Panda Express employees handled carbon dioxide, according to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office. The DA offices involved in the investigation were in Marin, Riverside, San Francisco, San Joaquin, and Solano.

Like many restaurants, Panda Express uses the fizzy compound for its carbonated fountain beverage systems. Carbon dioxide is typically stored in tanks and is deemed safe when handled properly.

If improperly handled, however, carbon dioxide can leak unnoticed, displacing oxygen in the air, leading to serious health effects or death, according to the investigators.

Throughout most of California, businesses that use carbon dioxide are required by law to train employees in safe handling practices and in detecting leaks from tanks and supply lines. Businesses must file certified, complete, and accurate reports with local regulators confirming the training, according to investigators.

The lawsuit against Panda Express alleged that its employees did not receive the required training.

The $1 million settlement was reached after Panda Express took steps to come into compliance with state law by properly training employees and updating and reporting training records.

Patch reached out to Panda Express Restaurant Group for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.

Under the settlement, Panda Express was ordered to pay $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 in supplemental environmental projects, and $75,000 in cost reimbursement.