British ballet dancer, 25, dies from anaphylactic shock after eating cookies in the US that were ‘mislabelled saying they didn’t contain peanuts’

A British ballet dancer has died after suffering an allergic reaction to cookies sold at a Connecticut store that reportedly did not mention peanuts on the label.

Órla Baxendale, 25, originally from Helmshore, East Lancashire, went into anaphylactic shock and died on January 11 after consuming peanut biscuits.

The talented dancer had moved to New York from England to pursue her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

The Vanilla Florentine cookies were subsequently recalled because there was no peanut allergy warning on the packaging.

The Baxendale family have issued a heartbreaking warning about the importance of correctly labeling food as they urged people to donate to a non-profit allergy awareness charity.

“We are all devastated by the loss of our beautiful and talented Órla, who was taken from us far too soon,” Baxendale’s sister Niamh wrote in a statement.

The sweet treats were manufactured by Cookies United and sold at Stew Leonard’s as part of a holiday run

Órla Baxendale, 25, died of a severe allergic reaction after eating cookies purchased from a Stew Leonard’s store, which allegedly failed to disclose that they contained peanuts

‘It is incomprehensible that allergies can still claim lives in 2024. Please read about anaphylaxis because you may help save someone’s life one day.

‘Orla Baxendale’s Facebook page is being commemorated, so please share posts for Órla here as we love reading them.

If you would like, please consider donating to Allergy UK in memory of Órla.

‘Órla was so careful and always checked the ingredients before eating anything. Mislabeling of food can be fatal.”

The sweet treats were manufactured by Cookies United and sold at Stew Leonard’s as part of a holiday run.

The supermarket chain’s CEO has claimed his company was not notified of a change to the product’s ingredients involving the addition of peanuts, something Cookies United vehemently disputes.

Stew Leonard Jr., the supermarket’s CEO, said in a statement Channel 3 news that Cookies United had changed the recipe from soy nuts to peanuts without notifying the company.

The cookies were then reportedly repackaged and relabeled under the brand name Stew Leonard’s, where they were sold in-store, without any mention of peanuts.

“This has never happened before at Stew Leonard’s,” Leonard said in a statement. ‘We have very strict food safety practices and one of them is that all the correct ingredients are listed on our labels.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection advises anyone with a nut allergy to delete cookies immediately

Stew Leonard Jr., the supermarket’s CEO, said Cookies United changed the recipe from soy nuts to peanuts without notifying the company

“Unfortunately, we buy these cookies from a company that never told us they changed the ingredients.

“We sold them in good faith and one customer was affected. We were devastated to hear this news and our family sends our deepest condolences.”

His account has been hotly disputed by Cookies United, who claim they notified the company via an email seen by Channel 3 News.

“It has come to the attention of Cookies United that a customer of Stew Leonard’s has tragically died as a result of eating peanut cookies. Our hearts and condolences go out first and foremost to the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer,” a statement from the manufacturer said.

‘Unfortunately, given the tragedy of these circumstances, we must point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them are labeled accordingly.

“This product is sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand and repackaged in 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 cooperated with the New York State Department of Agriculture and have been informed that we are in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations regarding this product.

“Our deepest condolences to the family of this Stew Leonard customer.”

Baxendale was born in East Lancashire in Britain and had moved to New York to work as a professional dancer

She had received a scholarship to the prestigious The Ailey School and had been living in the United States for five years

Born in East Lancashire, Britain, Baxendale had moved to New York to work as a professional dancer, earning a scholarship to the prestigious The Ailey School.

The dancer had been in the United States for five years and was going on a world tour with the MOMIX dance company.

She was in Milford, Connecticut, preparing for a role in a dance company’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at a social gathering when she ate the cookies.

Lawyers for her family blamed her death on “the gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or sellers who failed to properly identify the contents of the cookie on the package.”

“This failure in proper disclosure led to this devastating but avoidable outcome,” the statement from Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf said.

“Her sudden loss is not only a personal tragedy for her family and friends, but also a significant loss for the artistic community.

‘We stand with Órla’s family during this difficult time and express our deepest condolences.

“They have been overwhelmed and comforted by the outpouring of love, support and tributes from around the world.

Baxendale was in Milford, Connecticut, preparing for a role in a dance company’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at a social gathering when she ate the cookies.

Since her tragic death, tributes have poured in from her alma mater and the dance community in New York and beyond

“Órla’s vibrant spirit and her relentless pursuit of excellence in her art left an indelible mark on all who knew her.”

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection advises anyone with a nut allergy to delete cookies immediately.

The products were sold at the Danbury and Newington locations from November 6 to December 31.

Stew Leonard’s is offering a full refund to customers who return the cookies.

Tributes poured into the talented dancer’s local newspaper, The Lancashire Telegraph after the news of her death.

“She was a radiant force both on and off the dance floor, and embodied a zest for life that was truly captivating,” said a statement from the Elmhurst Ballet School.

“Her authenticity and ability to stay true to herself resonated with all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she had a remarkable gift for lighting up any room she entered.

“Her exceptional talent has left a lasting impression and her legacy as an artist and as an individual will be fondly remembered at our school.”

The products were sold in Connecticut at the Danbury and Newington locations from November 6 to December 31

“This past week, the New York City dance community lost a beautiful dancer, avid dreamer and beloved member of the Steps on Broadway team, Órla Baxendale,” wrote New York dance studio Steps on Broadway.

While her alma mater The Ailey School said: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of alumna Órla Baxendale.

“She had become an integral part of the New York dance world, following her passion, shining her bright light and doing what she loved most.

“Her loss will be deeply felt by her friends, colleagues and all who knew her. We will remember her for her cheerful spirit and boundless talent. Our thoughts are with her family at this devastating time.”