The tragic demise of a 25-year-old British ballet dancer, who battled a severe peanut allergy, occurred in the United States after consuming a cookie lacking peanut disclosure on the product label, as reported by The Independent, a prominent UK newspaper.
The unfortunate incident unfolded earlier this month when Orla Baxendale, a resident of New York, purchased the cookie from a Stew Leonard’s grocery store located in Connecticut, USA.
Despite meticulously scrutinizing the packaging for nut content and finding none, Baxendale ingested the cookie, unaware that the Vanilla Florentine Cookies she consumed actually contained peanuts.
Despite possessing an EpiPen injection for managing allergic reactions, Baxendale succumbed to anaphylactic shock on January 11, as confirmed by her legal representatives.
The attorney emphasized Baxendale's cautious dietary habits, highlighting her thorough ingredient checks and consistent carrying of an EpiPen. Despite administering the EpiPen during the allergic reaction, its effectiveness was compromised due to the severity of her allergy.
Promptly following the tragic event, the Stew Leonard’s grocery store initiated a recall of the batch of Vanilla Florentine Cookies, acknowledging the presence of undisclosed peanuts and eggs, ingredients to which Baxendale was severely allergic.
Meghan Bell, the director of public relations at Stew Leonard’s, stressed the potential life-threatening consequences for individuals with peanut or egg allergies upon consuming the mislabeled product.
Hailing from East Lancashire, England, Baxendale relocated to New York to pursue her passion for dance, leaving behind a grieving family profoundly impacted by her untimely passing.
Described in her online obituary as an exceptional dancer proficient in ballet, contemporary, and Irish step styles, Baxendale was revered for her enthusiasm, resilience, and grace.
Expressing sympathy for the bereaved family, the owner of the Stew Leonard’s store lamented the tragedy, acknowledging the profound sorrow felt by everyone involved in the wake of the devastating loss.
