by A British ballet dancer has died in the US after having an allergic reaction to cookies that did not state they contained peanuts.
Órla Baxendale, 25, died on January 11 after suffering severe anaphylactic shock after eating Florentine cookies bought from Stew Leonard’s grocery store in Connecticut.
An urgent product recall has since been issued, saying the cookies contained “undeclared” peanuts and eggs.
Her family told the BBC she was in Connecticut to dance the lead role in a production of Alice in Wonderland, when she ate the cookies.
Ms Baxendale was “always so careful” about her peanut allergy and “never left the house without an EpiPen”, her family said.
It is understood Miss Baxendale’s EpiPen was used, but tragically could not save her.
Ms Baxendale, originally from Lancashire, moved to New York City in 2018 to pursue a career in dance.
A dead comment online describes her as the “embodiment of enthusiasm, strength, and beauty”.
“Known for her quirky character and boundless love for those around her, she was a source of joy and inspiration to all,” he says.
“The presence was a constant reminder to live life to the fullest, a lesson she took to heart and urged others to adopt.”
Tributes have been paid by Miss Baxendale’s close friends and fellow dancers, including those who met her quickly, but were touched by her “bright” energy and her “way of letting people know they were seen and loved “. Kelsey Crawford wrote: ray of sunshine taken from us too soon I am so grateful to be around your infectious presence, witness and learn from your immense talents, and call you my friend.
“I think of you every day – you will be missed inexplicably. I will always love you, Órla.”
Taylor Litz wrote: “Orla you were the light of everyone’s life. The joy and love you brought to others was Immaculate. Stay strong. writing on her website: “A radiant force on the dance floor and outside of her, she included a thirst for life that was truly attractive.
“Her authenticity and ability to stay true to herself endeared herself to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and she had a wonderful gift for lighting up any room she entered.
“Her exceptional talent left a lasting impact, ensuring that her legacy as an artist and as an individual will be fondly remembered at the school.”
The ballet school’s statement said Miss Baxendale was “so careful and always checked the ingredients before eating anything”.
Ms. Baxendale ate the biscuits that were sold in Stew Leonard’s stores in two Connecticut towns, Danbury and Newington, said the state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
It has been reported that around 500 packets of the “seasonal” biscuits sold between 6 November and 31 December have been recalled.
Bryan T Cafferelli, DCP Connecticut commissioner, described Miss Baxendale’s death as a “heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened”.
The DCP said consumers with a nut allergy should dispose of the cookies immediately or return them and seek medical attention if necessary.
“The Florentine cookies were produced by a wholesaler, Cookies United, in Islip, New York, labeled with the Stew Leonard’s brand name, and are only sold at the Danbury and Newington stores,” the DCP said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, DCP has worked with Stew Leonard’s to remove all baked goods produced by Cookies United from all Stew Leonard’s locations in Connecticut.”
DCP investigators are working with state and local public health officials, the Food and Drug Administration and Stew Leonard’s to determine the cause of the error.
Stew Leonard’s CEO, Stew Leonard Jr, alleged that the cookie manufacturer changes the ingredients “from soybeans to peanuts”, without notifying the company’s chief safety officer, the BBC reported.
The New York-based manufacturer, Cookies United, has reportedly challenged that allegation, and says it notified Stew Leonard’s of the recipe change in July 2023.
Lawyers for Miss Baxendale’s family have said that “a preliminary investigation has shown that Órla’s death was caused by the gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or the sellers”, the BBC reported.
It is not understood that any legal action has been taken against either party at this stage. Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, described Ms. Baxendale’s death as an “avoidable tragedy,” and said that “labeling was right so that people with food allergies can have them.” protect themselves as appropriate.” Originally from Lancashire, Baxendale trained and competed in Irish dance from a young age.
She went on to train at Northern Ballet Academy and the Elmhurst Ballet School, before moving to New York in 2018 to train as a scholarship student at the Ailey School.
After graduating, she performed professionally throughout the UK and USA. She joined MOMIX Dance Company in June 2023.
