Tragic stories bring home the importance of preventing simple errors such as getting proper labels on packages. In a most recent case, a 25 year old world-class dancer "tragically lost her life due to 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 FDA and Stew Leonard's issued a recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies that were sold at Stew Leonard's in Danbury and Newington, CT from November 6 – December 31, 2023. The cookie contained peanuts which were not listed as part of the ingredients."
Unfortunately for Steward Leonards, they were made aware of the inclusion of peanuts earlier in the year, but failed to update their label. From Cookies United Press Release "Stew Leonard’s claimed in an earlier press release that “The cookies contain peanuts, which was an ingredient not disclosed to Stew Leonard’s by the manufacturer.” [bold is ours] Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly. This product is sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand and repackaged at their facilities. The incorrect label was created by, and applied to, their product by Stew Leonard’s."
A very unfortunate disconnect between the supplier and the retailer.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orla-baxendale-statement-from-legal-representative-gair-gair-conason-rubinowitz-bloom-hershenhorn-steigman--mackauf-on-her-passing-302043571.html
Órla Baxendale: Statement from Legal Representative Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf on her Passing
NEWS PROVIDED BYGair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
24 Jan, 2024, 11:13 ET
NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Órla Baxendale, a talented dancer, on January 11, 2024 at the young age of 25. Órla moved to New York from East Lancashire, UK, to pursue her dream career as a world-class dancer but tragically lost her life due to 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 FDA and Stew Leonard's issued a recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies that were sold at Stew Leonard's in Danbury and Newington, CT from November 6 – December 31, 2023. The cookie contained peanuts which were not listed as part of the ingredients.
her Passing
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
24 Jan, 2024, 11:13 ET
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NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Órla Baxendale, a talented dancer, on January 11, 2024 at the young age of 25. Órla moved to New York from East Lancashire, UK, to pursue her dream career as a world-class dancer but tragically lost her life due to 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 FDA and Stew Leonard's issued a recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies that were sold at Stew Leonard's in Danbury and Newington, CT from November 6 – December 31, 2023. The cookie contained peanuts which were not listed as part of the ingredients.
Orla Baxendale
Orla Baxendale
Órla's family, devastated by this unimaginable loss, wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of support and tributes from around the world. She was a radiant and brave soul who pursued her dreams relentlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family, friends, and the global dance community mourning the loss of this extraordinary individual.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Attorneys Howard S. Hershenhorn (hsh@gairgair.com) or Marijo C. Adimey (madimey@ gairgair.com)
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman, and Mackauf
80 Pine St.34th Floor, New York, NY 10005
(212) 943-1090
Update: Stew Leonard’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts & Eggs in Chocolate &
Vanilla Florentine Cookies
January 25, 2024
Stew Leonard’s, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, is recalling Vanilla and Chocolate Florentine Cookies that were sold only at Stew Leonard’s in Danbury and Newington, Conn. from November 6 – December 31, 2023. The cookies contain undeclared peanuts and eggs. 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. One death has been reported that may be associated with the mislabeled product.
Stew Leonard’s is working with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the supplier to determine the cause of the labeling error. Customers who have purchased these cookies should bring back the product to Stew Leonard’s customer service for a full refund.
Meghan Bell
Director of Public Relations
Stew Leonard’s
203.948.7374
Cookies Unlimited
https://cookiesunited.com/press-releases/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INCORRECT STEW LEONARD’S PRESS RELEASE
It has come to the attention of Cookies United that a customer of Stew Leonard’s has tragically died as a result of eating cookies containing peanuts. Our hearts and condolences are first with the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
Stew Leonard’s claimed in an earlier press release that “The cookies contain peanuts, which was an ingredient not disclosed to Stew Leonard’s by the manufacturer.” [bold is ours] Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly. This product is sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand and repackaged at their facilities. The incorrect label was created by, and applied to, their product by Stew Leonard’s.
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.
Our deepest sympathies to the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
Walker G. Flanary III, General Counsel
516.770.4253
wflanary@cookiesunited.com
www.cookiesunited.com
January 24, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INCORRECT STEW LEONARD’S PRESS RELEASE – UPDATE]
Further to Cookies United’s press release from January 23, 2024, and the accusation from Stew Leonard’s that the peanut ingredient was not disclosed to them, attached is the communication from July 20, 2023 sent to 11 Stew Leonard’s employees (whose redacted emails are listed below):
s***a@stewleonards.com
p***s@stewleonards.com
b***y@stewleonards.com
c***n@stewleonards.com
m***z@stewleonards.com
c***r@stewleonards.com
h***o@stewleonards.com
d***d@stewleonards.com
c***l@stewleonards.com
a***e@stewleonards.com
a***o@stewleonards.com
Additionally, attached please find an image of the label that Cookies United has used in all shipments to Stew Leonard’s since July 20, 2023. (correctly calling out the ingredients list, including Peanuts).
We are fully cooperating with the authorities regarding this heartbreaking event. This is a tragedy that should have never happened and our sympathy is with the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
(Please download PDF above to see related documents)
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