Tragic Incident: Unlabeled Allergens in Cookies Lead to Fatal Reaction and Recall


In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a young woman from New York, Órla Baxendale, tragically lost her life due to a severe allergic reaction to undeclared peanuts and eggs in Florentine Cookies sold at Stew Leonard’s, a popular grocery chain in Connecticut. This incident, which occurred in 2024, has brought to light the critical need for accurate labeling of food products to prevent such devastating consequences.

Unraveling the Tragic Chain of Events

The fateful day unfolded when Órla, a talented dancer with aspirations of pursuing a career in New York, attended a social gathering in Connecticut. Little did she know that a seemingly innocuous treat, a Florentine Cookie, would trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Unbeknownst to Órla and other unsuspecting consumers, the cookies contained undeclared peanuts and eggs, major food allergens that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The absence of proper labeling on the product packaging proved to be a fatal oversight.

A Call for Accountability: Attorneys Allege Negligence and Reckless Conduct

In the wake of this tragedy, Órla’s attorneys have come forward to denounce the gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and sellers responsible for the mislabeled cookies. They emphasize that the failure to properly disclose the contents of the cookie on the packaging led to this devastating and preventable outcome.

The attorneys’ statement highlights the critical importance of accurate labeling in ensuring the safety of consumers with food allergies. They demand accountability from those responsible for this tragic incident, seeking justice for Órla’s family and advocating for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Stew Leonard’s Responds: Issuing a Recall and Acknowledging Responsibility

Stew Leonard’s, the grocery chain where the mislabeled cookies were sold, has issued a recall for the Florentine Cookies, recognizing the potential danger they pose to consumers with peanut and egg allergies. The recall affects cookies sold at two of their Connecticut locations, Danbury and Newington.

The company acknowledges that the cookies, produced by Cookies United, contained peanuts that were not disclosed by the manufacturer. They emphasize that the cookies were sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand name, further underscoring the importance of accurate labeling and quality control.

State Officials Issue Warnings and Conduct Investigations

Connecticut state officials have issued warnings to consumers about the mislabeled cookies, urging those with nut or egg allergies to immediately discard or return the products for a full refund. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Department of Public Health are actively investigating the incident, working to determine the full extent of the labeling error and ensure the safety of consumers.

The DCP instructed Stew Leonard’s to remove all baked goods produced by Cookies United from all Connecticut locations, emphasizing the need for vigilance in preventing the sale of mislabeled products that pose a risk to public health.

Raising Awareness: The Importance of Accurate Labeling and Food Allergy Prevention

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate labeling in the food industry. Consumers with food allergies rely on clear and comprehensive labels to make informed choices about the products they consume.

Food manufacturers and retailers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are accurately labeled, adhering to regulations and industry standards. This includes disclosing all major food allergens, such as peanuts and eggs, to protect consumers from potentially life-threatening reactions.

Advocacy groups and government agencies play a crucial role in promoting food allergy awareness and education. They work to raise public awareness about the risks associated with food allergies, emphasizing the need for careful reading of food labels and avoiding products that contain undeclared allergens.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Systemic Improvements

The tragic death of Órla Baxendale underscores the urgent need for vigilance and systemic improvements in the food industry to prevent similar tragedies. Accurate labeling, rigorous quality control, and comprehensive food allergy awareness are essential elements in ensuring the safety of consumers with food allergies.

As we move forward, it is imperative that food manufacturers, retailers, and regulatory agencies work together to strengthen labeling regulations, improve communication about food allergens, and promote a culture of food allergy awareness and prevention. By working collaboratively, we can create a safer food environment for all consumers, ensuring that food choices are made with informed consent and without fear of life-threatening consequences.


Note: This blog post is intended to raise awareness about the importance of accurate labeling and food allergy prevention. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about food allergies, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.