Family Sues Over Fatal Allergic Reaction to Mislabeled Cookie Sold at Stew Leonard’s

The family of Orla Ruth Baxendale, a 25-year-old woman who died after consuming a mislabeled cookie, has filed a lawsuit against Stew Leonard’s, several employees, and the cookie manufacturer, Cookies United LLC. Baxendale, who had a severe peanut allergy, suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction after eating a Florentine Cookie that did not list peanuts as an ingredient. The lawsuit, dated May 23, accuses Stew Leonard’s and Cookies United of gross negligence, alleging that despite notification from Cookies United about the addition of peanuts to the cookie recipe, Stew Leonard’s failed to update the product labels accordingly.

The legal action claims the failure to properly label the cookies was intentional and reckless, leading to Baxendale’s death. Stew Leonard’s and Cookies United have exchanged blame, with Stew Leonard’s asserting they were not properly informed, while Cookies United maintains they provided updated labels and notification to Stew Leonard’s employees. The family’s attorney, Howard Hershenhorn, emphasized the need for substantial compensation, although he acknowledged that no amount could compensate for the loss.

The lawsuit highlights significant lapses in communication and responsibility between the seller and the manufacturer, raising concerns about food safety and labeling practices. Baxendale’s family contends that the tragic incident could have been avoided with proper labeling, and they seek accountability and justice for her untimely death.