Orla Baxendale.Photo:Orla Baxendale/Instagram
Orla Baxendale/Instagram
The family of Órla Baxendale is mourning the death of the 25-year-old dancer, who they say had a severe nut allergy and died of anaphylactic shock on Jan. 11 after eating cookies that did not list peanuts among the ingredients on its label.
“She was a radiant and brave soul who pursued her dreams relentlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her,” they said.
“Customers with nut allergies should bring back the product to customer service for a full refund,” the recall states.
Baxendale’s attorney Adime released a second statement saying that the dancer had an EpiPen but her allergy was too severe. “Orla was very careful and hyper-vigilant about everything she ate, and always thoroughly checked the ingredients on all packaging. In addition, she always carried an EpiPen with her and surrounded herself with people who know how to administer one,” the attorney said.
“After she began to have an anaphylactic reaction, an EpiPen was used but due to the severity of her allergy, it was not effective,” he added.
Stew Leonard’s recalled Florntine Cookies.Stew Leonardâs
Stew Leonardâs
“The supplier changed the recipe and started going from soy nuts to peanuts and our chief safety officer at Stew Leonard’s was never notified,” Leonard Jr. claimed.
“In the 24 hours since Cookies United learned of this tragedy we have been cooperating with the New York State Department of Agriculture and have been informed we are in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations relating to this product,” noted the release, which also expressed the company’s “deepest sympathies” to Baxendale’s family.
Reached for comment about Cookies United’s claims, a rep for Stew Leonard directed PEOPLE back to Leonard Jr.’s original statement.
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Meanwhile, officials from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are now investigating the incident.
“Correct labeling so that people who have food allergies can appropriately protect themselves is of utmost importance. 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,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani. “We will continue to work with all our partners — including restaurants and retailers — to provide education on the dangers of food allergens so that best practices are being followed for the safety of the residents of Connecticut.”
source: people.com
