Panda Express is fined for failing to train employees in handling hazardous materials

Panda Express has agreed to pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it did not train its employees on how to operate its soda machines.

The parent company of a Rosemead-based fast-casual Chinese-American food chain must pay fines for failing to educate its employees about how to handle carbon dioxide used for carbonated fountain beverage systems.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Carbon dioxide is usually stored in tanks and is widely used by restaurants. California’s hazardous materials law requires that employees receive training on the storage and handling of carbon dioxide. Leaks that displace oxygen can cause serious injury or even death.

Restaurants are required to certify employees and file reports with local regulators confirming such training.

of the The case After an investigation by Riverside County, it was filed that Panda Express failed to train restaurant personnel on the safe handling of carbon dioxide, and did not disclose employee training information as required by state law.

Founder of Panda Express Orange chickenoperates more than 500 locations in California, including 30 in Riverside County.

“We don’t see a lot of these violations, so I would think it’s going to be a wake-up call for restaurants in general,” said Richard Schenck, senior director of Technologic, a research and consulting firm for the food service industry. “Typically, the beverage stations are leased from the beverage provider and serviced by a third party, including CO2, so this may indicate a gap in training that Panda was not aware of.”

He added: “Panda’s workplace culture is built on a strong training foundation, so I believe this settlement may indicate a need to clarify roles between beverage suppliers and restaurants.”

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office said the settlement was reached after Panda Express took steps to comply with California law on reporting and updating training records.

Panda Express was ordered to pay $881,925 in civil penalties, $100,000 in additional environmental projects, and $75,000 in restitution.