Recent developments surrounding the tragic death of dancer Orla Baxendale shed light on the sequence of events that led to the heartbreaking incident. With details emerging from her attorney and statements released by the food company involved, it’s clear that a series of errors and oversights contributed to this devastating outcome. As investigations continue and accountability is sought, the importance of accurate food labeling and adherence to safety protocols becomes paramount. The condolences and support for Órla’s family underscore the profound impact this loss has had on the community.
@abcnews A 25-year-old woman died from an allergic reaction after eating a cookie sold by the grocery chain Stew Leonard’s that was not properly labeled as containing peanuts, officials and her attorneys said. Stew Leonard’s issued a recall this week for its vanilla and chocolate Florentine cookies because they contain undeclared peanuts and eggs. The cause of the labeling errors remains under investigation. #news #peanutallergy #stewleonards ♬ original sound – ABC News
Update: The dancer’s final moments have been released in a statement released by Baxendale’s lawyer.
“Because Orla was so alert and careful about everything she touched, she actually Googled ‘soy nut that’s on the packaging,'” her attorney, Marijo Adimey, told ABC News, “she wanted to make sure that the soy nut wasn’t a nut. ..”
Her friends gave her an Epipen after she went into anaphylactic shock and rushed her to the hospital. Unfortunately, it was too late.
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The grocery company released a statement following the death of a dancer who consumed cookies from the store.
People report that Órla Baxendale, 25, died Jan. 11 of anaphylactic shock, her relatives confirmed. According to her relatives, Baxendale consumed mislabeled biscuits they bought from Stew Leonard’s and went into anaphylactic shock.
When the dancer ate the vanilla Florentine biscuits, Baxendale was present for the event.
The label wasn’t quite right, even though the packaging said “soy, wheat, and milk” were used to make the cookies.
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Stew Leonard Jr. revealed in a statement that their supplier “changed the recipe and started switching from soybeans to peanuts and our Chief Safety Officer at Stew Leonard’s was never notified.” The family is now in complete shock.
“It’s a sad day for us,” Leonard Jr. said. in his video statement. We are all incredibly angry and devastated. he has four daughters, one of whom is twenty years old. We are all pretty depressed about the whole situation and I can only imagine how the family is feeling right now.’
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People claim that Stew Leonard’s buys its cookies from wholesaler Cookie United and repackages them under its own brand. Cookie United refutes Leonard Jr.’s claims. and they claim to have informed Stew Leonard about the modification to their recipe.
“This product is repackaged at a Stew Leonard’s facility and sold under their name. A Cookie’s United representative issued a statement that ‘Stew Leonard’s created an incorrect label and applied it to their product.’
“Within 24 hours of Cookies United learning of this tragedy, we worked with the New York State Department of Agriculture and were told that we are in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations regarding this product.”
The Connecticut Department of Public Health and Consumer Protection has opened an investigation.
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“It is essential to have accurate labeling so that people with food allergies can properly protect themselves.” Commissioner for VAT Dr. Manisha Juthani said in a statement: “I am heartbroken to hear about this incident and will be working with partners to ensure we can protect people with food allergies.”
Baxendale is originally from East Lancashire, England. She moved to New York to further develop her dance career. We send our condolences to her family.
The tragic mislabelling of biscuits which led to the death of 25-year-old dancer Orla Baxendale has sparked both sadness and concern. As investigations develop and statements are released by stakeholders, it is clear that accurate food labeling is critical to the safety of allergy sufferers. The food company and wholesale response underscore the need for accountability and adherence to safety protocols in food production and distribution. In the midst of this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts go out to Eagle’s family and loved ones as they go through this difficult time.