The family of Orla Baxendale, a 25-year-old professional dancer who tragically died from an allergic reaction after consuming recalled Florentine Cookies from Stew Leonard’s, asserts that her death was “100% preventable.” According to their lawyer, Marijo Adimey, the family describes Orla as a “young, vivacious, beautiful professional dancer,” and they emphasize the devastating and preventable nature of her death due to anaphylactic shock.

Cookies United, the Long Island-based company responsible for supplying the recalled cookies, had informed Stew Leonard’s of ingredient changes in the summer. Stew Leonard initially claimed they were not notified about the inclusion of peanuts, but Cookies United contradicted this, stating they communicated the change in July. Stew Leonard’s has since issued a product recall.

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Orla Baxendale consumed the cookie at a social gathering in Connecticut, and the ingredient list did not disclose the presence of peanuts. Stew Leonard’s expressed condolences in a video and acknowledged the family’s devastation.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is investigating the incident, highlighting the failure of Stew Leonard’s packaging to disclose the peanuts, despite Cookies United’s packaging indicating their presence.

Dr Punita Ponda from Northwell Health emphasized the avoidable nature of food allergy deaths, stressing the importance of manufacturers taking adequate precautions. She urged families to review allergy action plans, recognize early symptoms, and carry necessary medication, such as an EpiPen.

As the family seeks accountability, this incident underscores the critical need for transparency and diligence in food product labeling to prevent such tragic events.