Cookies United revealed that it had informed the supermarket chain about the summer ingredient changes
The family of professional dancer Orla Baxendale, 25, who tragically lost her life on January 11 after consuming Florentine cookies recalled from Stew Leonard's, claims that her death was “100% preventable,” according to statements from her lawyer. , Marijo Adimey. , New York Post reported.
Describing Orla as a “young, vivacious and beautiful professional dancer,” Adimey emphasized the devastating and avoidable nature of her death due to anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction.
The Long Island-based company Cookies United, responsible for supplying Stew Leonard's with the recalled cookies, revealed that it had informed the supermarket chain about the ingredient changes in the summer.
However, Stew Leonard initially claimed that they were not notified of the amendment to include peanuts. This claim was refuted by Cookies United, stating that they communicated this change in July.
Stew Leonard's has since issued a product recall. Orla Baxendale consumed the cookie at a social gathering in Connecticut and the ingredient list did not reveal the presence of peanuts.
In response to the tragedy, Stew Leonard expressed his condolences in a video: “I'm here with our family and, I mean, we're all devastated, unfortunate. I have four daughters, one of them is in her twenties. I can imagine how that family feels. at the moment”.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is investigating the incident, noting that Stew Leonard's packaging did not disclose the peanuts present, even though Cookies United packaging indicated their presence.
Dr. Punita Ponda, associate chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwell Health, emphasized the preventable nature of deaths from food allergies.
He stressed the importance of manufacturers taking appropriate precautions. He urged families to review allergy action plans, recognize early symptoms and carry necessary medications, such as an EpiPen, at all times.
As the family seeks accountability, the incident underscores the critical need for transparency and diligence in the labeling of food products to prevent such tragic events.
