Mocobizscene-A tragic incident occurred in New York when a talented dancer lost her life after consuming a mislabeled holiday cookie that contained peanuts. This cookie was purchased from the well-known supermarket, Stew Leonard’s. As the store and wholesaler engage in a blame game, the true culprits remain uncertain.
Órla Baxendale, 25, experienced an anaphylactic shock due to a severe allergic reaction when she consumed a Vanilla Florentine cookie on Jan. 11, according to attorney Marijo Adimey’s statement on Wednesday.
According to News 12, Baxendale, who is originally from the UK, enjoyed the treat at a social gathering in Connecticut.
According to Adimey, the cause of Órla’s death was a tragic incident related to the consumption of a cookie produced by Cookies United and sold by Stew Leonard’s. The cookie contained peanuts, which were not disclosed on the packaging.
The Vanilla Florentine Cookies from Stew Leonard’s stores in Danbury and Newington, CT, are being recalled from November 6 to December 31, 2023, due to a tragic oversight.
According to Adimey, the investigation into Baxendale’s death uncovered the manufacturer and/or sellers’ gross negligence and reckless conduct. They failed to mention on the cookies’ packaging that the product contained peanuts.
The attorney expressed their disappointment in the lack of proper disclosure, which ultimately resulted in a devastating but avoidable outcome.
According to the Ailey School’s website, the individual from Manchester relocated to New York City in 2018 to undergo training as a scholarship student.
Baxendale showcased her talent at New York Fashion Week and also made notable contributions to dance productions at Lincoln Center.
Stew Leonard’s was not informed by the Long Island bakery, from which it purchases the cookies, about any changes in the ingredients used for the vanilla Florentine Cookies.
“I’m here with our family, and we’re all devastated and very sad. I have four daughters, one of whom is in her 20s. I can only imagine how that family feels right now,” expressed CEO Stew Leonard Jr. in a heartfelt video, as reported by News 12.
Tragic Loss: 13-Year-Old Boy Fatally Injured in Sled Accident
A devastating incident occurred recently when a 13-year-old boy lost his life just ten days after being struck by a car while sledding down his driveway. The incident has left family, friends, and the community in shock and mourning.
According to witnesses, the boy was enjoying a day of sledding when he lost control of his sled and veered onto the road, where he was tragically hit by an oncoming car. Despite immediate medical attention and efforts made by emergency responders, the young boy succumbed to his injuries.
The accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers associated with winter activities, especially when it comes to sledding. It is crucial for parents and guardians to prioritize safety measures and ensure that appropriate precautions are in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
As the community mourns the loss of this young life, local authorities are urging everyone to exercise caution and vigilance during winter activities. It is essential to choose safe locations for sledding, such as designated hills or areas free from vehicular traffic.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this devastating incident. May they find strength and support during this difficult time, and may the memory of the young boy live on in their hearts forever.
According to Cookies United, the wholesaler, they did inform the regional supermarket chain about the change in ingredients months before Baxendale’s death.
In a recent statement, United Cookies responded to Stew Leonard’s claim made in a previous press release. According to United Cookies, Stew Leonard’s stated that “the cookies contain peanuts, which was an ingredient not disclosed to Stew Leonard’s by the manufacturer.”
Stew Leonard’s was informed by Cookies United in July of 2023 that the product now contains peanuts. As a result, all products shipped to them have been appropriately labeled. It is unfortunate that these circumstances have led to this situation.
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According to the wholesaler, Stew Leonard’s altered the packaging to reflect their own brand, but neglected to appropriately disclose that the cookies contained peanuts before they were made available for purchase.
Stew Leonard’s confirmed that the product was exclusively available at their Danbury and Newington stores.
On Tuesday, the supermarket decided to recall the seasonal product.
The Food, Standards and Product Safety Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is currently conducting an investigation into the tragic incident, in collaboration with officials from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and Stew Leonard’s.
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident, emphasizing that it should have never occurred. He stated that the authorities will thoroughly investigate the matter to determine the cause of this error and take necessary measures to prevent any similar tragedies in the future.
Punita Ponda, Northwell Health’s associate division chief for allergy and immunology, expressed her strong concern over the tragic and unacceptable nature of the situation. In an interview with News 12, she emphasized that such incidents should not be happening.
The manufacturer believes that it is crucial to take enough precautions to prevent this situation from becoming a risk for individuals. This emphasis on prevention is the primary focus for them.
It is crucial to thoroughly examine labels if you have known food allergies, emphasized Ponda.
Ponda emphasized the importance of carrying an EpiPen whenever one is going out, comparing it to the habit of ensuring that you have your wallet and ID with you. “If you’re going out and there’s a chance of being exposed to food in any situation, it’s crucial to have your EpiPen on hand,” Ponda stated.
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