What to Know
- Órla Baxendale died Jan. 11 of anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction to a cookie manufactured by Cookies United and sold by the supermarket chain Stew Leonard's at two of its Connecticut locations
- The cookie contained peanuts that were not listed as part of the ingredients. Stew Leonard's issued a recall this week for the cookie, which were sold under its brand name in Danbury and Newington. On Thursday, it was revealed by Connecticut state officials that the product also included undisclosed eggs
- In that recall, Stew Leonard's states that the cookies contained peanuts, but the manufacturer did not disclose the ingredient. A lawyer for the manufacturer, Cookies United, says the company sent emails to 11 Stew Leonard's employees in July advising them of the recipe change
The New York woman who died after eating mislabeled cookies from Stew Leonard's in Connecticut has been identified as a 25-year-old from the UK who moved to the city to pursue her dream career as a world-class dancer, her family's lawyers said in a statement.
Órla Baxendale "tragically" died Jan. 11 of anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction to a cookie manufactured by Cookies United and sold by the supermarket chain Stew Leonard's, the statement said. The cookie contained peanuts that were not listed as part of the ingredients.
"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 on their behalf said. "She was a radiant and brave soul who pursued her dreams relentlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her."
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"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family, friends, and the global dance community mourning the loss of this extraordinary individual," the statement continued.
Stew Leonard's, which has three locations in Connecticut, issued a recall earlier this week for the Florentine Cookies, which were sold under the Stew Leonard's brand name at stores in Danbury and Newington.
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In that recall, Stew Leonard's states that the cookies contained peanuts, but the manufacturer did not disclose the ingredient. A lawyer for the manufacturer, Cookies United, says the company sent emails to 11 Stew Leonard's employees in July, saying that the chocolate Florentine cookie and vanilla Florentine cookie now contain peanuts.
On Thursday, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed the cookies also contained eggs, which did not appear on the label.
"People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts or eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," said an updated recall from Stew Leonard's, which was expanded to include both chocolate and vanilla Florentine Cookies.
The cookies were sold from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31 with a best by date of Jan. 5.
NBC Connecticut reached out to Stew Leonard’s for comment and president and CEO Stew Leonard Jr. said in a video earlier in the week that the company’s chief safety officer was never notified that the cookies contained peanuts.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Manhattan confirmed to NBC New York Baxendale was a school alumna.
The school released a statement Thursday:
"The Ailey School is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of alumna Órla Baxendale. Órla was born and raised in Manchester UK and moved to New York in 2018 to join the Ailey family as a Scholarship student. Since then, she had become an integral part of the New York dance world, pursuing her passion, shining her bright light, and doing what she loved most. She danced with numerous companies and choreographers, most recently as a member of MOMIX.
"Her loss will be profoundly felt by her friends, colleagues, and all who knew her. We will remember her for her joyful spirit and boundless talent. Our thoughts are with her family at this devastating time."
