New York Dancer Dies Following Allergic Reaction to Mislabeled Cookie

New York dancer Órla Baxendale, 25, died on Jan. 11 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, according to legal representative Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf.

The FDA and Stew Leonard's issued a recall of the Vanilla and Chocolate Florentine Cookies that were sold at Stew Leonard's in Danbury and Newington, Conn., from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2023. The cookie contained peanuts, which were not listed as part of the ingredients. Stew Leonard’s said it is working with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the supplier to determine the cause of the labeling error.

© Stew Leonard's

Cookies United’s legal counsel said in a press release that “Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly.” The company attached a copy of the July 11 email sent to 11 Stew Leonard’s employees.

Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf confirmed Baxendale’s death in a Jan. 24 release.

“Órla's family, devastated by this unimaginable loss, wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of support and tributes from around the world,” the release said. “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.”

Baxendale moved to New York from East Lancashire, U.K., in 2018 to pursue her dream career as a world-class dancer. She was an alumna of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Manhattan and danced with numerous companies and choreographers, most recently as a member of MOMIX.

"Her loss will be profoundly felt by her friends, colleagues, and all who knew her,” The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said in a statement. “We will remember her for her joyful spirit and boundless talent. Our thoughts are with her family at this devastating time."