NEW YORK (1010 WINS/ WCBS 880) – A woman died earlier this month after eating a mislabeled cookie from Stew Leonard’s in Connecticut, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
The victim was identified as Órla Baxendale, 25, a dancer in New York City, who died on Thursday, Jan. 11 from anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction, according to her legal representative. Baxendale ate a Florentine cookie at a social event in Connecticut, according to the DPH.
Baxendale, originally from the UK, moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a dancer, according to her lawyers.
The Food and Drug Administration was informed about the death and the DPH is now warning the public about the cookies that were sold at Stew Leonard’s grocery stores in Danbury and Newington.
The cookies, which contained peanuts, lacked proper ingredient listing on their labels.
"Correct labeling so that people who have food allergies can appropriately protect themselves is of utmost importance,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani. “I am devastated to learn of this incident and will work with partners to ensure that we can protect people with food allergies. I cannot stress enough the importance of food allergy awareness so that an avoidable tragedy like this doesn’t happen again.”
Stew Leonard’s has issued a recall for the cookies and stated that the cookies contain peanuts, an ingredient that was not disclosed by the manufacturer.
The Florentine Cookies, made by Cookies United in Islip, New York, were branded with Stew Leonard's name and sold only in Danbury and Newington stores.
In a recent statement, Cookies United addressed the incident at Stew Leonard's, stating, "Our hearts and condolences are first with the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.”
The company clarified that the mislabeling was not on their end but was the responsibility of Stew Leonard’s.
"Stew Leonard’s claimed in an earlier press release that 'The cookies contain peanuts, which was an ingredient not disclosed to Stew Leonard’s by the manufacturer.' Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly. This product is sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand and repackaged at their facilities. The incorrect label was created by, and applied to, their product by Stew Leonard’s.”
The recalled cookies had a best before date of Jan. 5, 2024 and were sold seasonally from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2023.
Out of caution, DCP worked with Stew Leonard’s to get rid of all baked items produced by Cookies United from all Connecticut locations.
“Consumers with a nut allergy should immediately dispose of the cookies or return them to the point of sale and seek medical attention if necessary,” the CDPH said in a statement.
"Órla's family, devastated by this unimaginable loss, wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of support and tributes from around the world." the lawyers' statement read. "She was a radiant and brave soul who pursued her dreams relentlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her."
The DCP is now investigating to determine the cause of the error.