Tragedy strikes as ballet dancer Orla Baxendale loses life due to an allergic reaction to a mislabelled cookie. Calls for awareness on anaphylaxis and allergen disclosure.
Tragic Loss of Promising Ballet Dancer: Allergic Reaction to Mislabelled Cookie Claims Life
In a heart-wrenching incident, Orla Baxendale, a 25-year-old ballet dancer hailing from East Lancashire, tragically lost her life in the United States after consuming a cookie that failed to disclose peanuts as an ingredient. The incident unfolded on January 11, when Orla suffered a severe anaphylactic shock following an allergic reaction to a vanilla florentine cookie from the popular US supermarket chain, Stew Leonard’s.
Having relocated to New York in 2018 to pursue her dreams as a dancer, Orla attended a social gathering in Connecticut, where she consumed the ill-fated cookie. State health officials revealed that the biscuit contained peanuts, a crucial detail omitted from the ingredient list.
In a shocking revelation, Stew Leonard’s, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, has recalled approximately 500 packages of the cookies sold between November 6 and December 31. Stew Leonard Jr, the president and chief executive of the retailer, acknowledged that their supplier, Cookies United, made a critical recipe alteration without notifying their chief safety officer. This change involved switching from soy nuts to peanuts, leading to the inadvertent omission of peanuts from the label.
However, Cookies United countered this claim, stating they informed Stew Leonard’s in July that the product contained peanuts, and all shipped products were appropriately labeled. The supplier asserted that the incorrect label was created by Stew Leonard’s.
In a statement, Orla Baxendale’s family expressed their grief, describing her as a “beautiful, radiant, brave soul” who achieved her dreams and left an indelible mark on the world. They emphasized the need for awareness about anaphylaxis, EpiPen usage, and early warning signs of severe allergic reactions.
The family’s statement reads, “It is incomprehensible that allergies can take lives in 2024, and we want to urge everyone to educate yourselves and those around you about anaphylaxis, how to use EpiPens and the early warning signs for severe allergic reactions.”
Despite the profound loss, the family took solace in celebrating Orla’s remarkable life, asserting that she “got more out of life in 25 years than most do in a lifetime.” Messages of love and condolences have poured in from around the world, reflecting the impact of Orla’s mesmerizing talent, cheeky nature, and compassionate spirit.
Orla’s former dance school, deeply saddened by her untimely death, paid tribute to her joyful spirit and boundless talent. Born and raised in Manchester, UK, Orla had become an integral part of the New York dance world, collaborating with various companies and choreographers.
As the dance community mourns the loss of a rising star, Orla Baxendale’s memory will endure through the echoes of her vibrant performances and the profound impact she made on those fortunate enough to witness her artistry.
