In a devastating incident, a 25-year-old English dancer, Órla Baxendale, lost her life to anaphylactic shock after consuming a peanut-containing cookie mislabelled as peanut-free. The incident occurred in Connecticut, where Órla was preparing to perform the lead role in a dance company’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.
The fatal cookie was purchased from Stew Leonard’s, a grocery store chain in the northeast US. Despite using an EpiPen, the severe allergic reaction proved fatal for Órla. Stew Leonard’s, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has initiated a recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies batch linked to the tragedy. Approximately 500 packages of these cookies were sold, prompting the grocery store to urge customers to return the products.
Órla Baxendale, known for her prowess in ballet, contemporary, and Irish step dancing, had relocated to New York City in 2018 to pursue her dance career. Her family described her as someone who was “always so careful” about her peanut allergy and “never left the house without an EpiPen.”
Stew Leonard’s issued an updated recall of the Vanilla and Chocolate Florentine Cookies, emphasizing that they “contain undeclared peanuts and eggs,” posing a serious threat to individuals allergic to these ingredients. The product was sold in two Connecticut towns from November 6th and remained on shelves until the end of the year.
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli called Órla Baxendale’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” and stated that efforts were underway to prevent similar incidents in the future, involving cooperation with local, federal, and other state authorities.
Stew Leonard Jr, president and CEO of Stew Leonard’s, alleged that the manufacturer changed the cookie ingredients without notifying the company’s chief safety officer, resulting in the mislabeling. Cookies United, the Long Island manufacturer, refuted this claim, asserting that it informed Stew Leonard’s of the recipe change in July 2023. The product, sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand, was repackaged at their facilities with the incorrect label.
Attorneys representing Órla Baxendale’s family released a statement suggesting that a preliminary investigation indicated the cause of death was due to the “gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or sellers.” However, as of now, no lawsuit has been filed against either party.
Órla Baxendale’s family expressed that she was set to embark on a global tour with her dance company, MOMIX, and highlighted her remarkable achievements in her short life. Despite the tragedy, her family emphasized that Órla would live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
