An American company has recalled more food products, weeks after the death of a Helmshore dancer who died from an allergic reaction after eating a cookie.
The former St Veronica's Primary School pupil ate cookies manufactured by Cookies United, an American baking company, and sold by Stew Leonard’s, a supermarket chain in America.
More recently, Stew Leonard's has recalled eight chicken items which “may contain undeclared milk”.
A spokesperson said: "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction."
Affected products were sold in the deli department from August 2022 to January 29, 2024.
According to the Department of Consumer Protection, for America, the recall is relevant to Stew Leonard’s stores in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
An investigation into Órla's death is ongoing.
The legal team, who are representing Órla’s family, said the preliminary investigation has revealed that Órla’s death occurred due to the “gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or sellers” which did not properly identify the contents of the cookie on the packaging.
In a statement they said: “Órla, a talented dancer, was just 25-years-old when her life was cut short due to anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
“Órla’s passing stemmed from an unfortunate incident involving the consumption of a cookie manufactured by Cookies United and sold by Stew Leonard’s, which contained undisclosed peanuts.
"This tragic oversight has led to the recall of the Vanilla Florentine Cookies from Stew Leonard’s stores in Danbury and Newington, CT, for the period of November 6 to December 31, 2023.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that Órla’s death occurred due to the gross negligence and reckless conduct of the manufacturer and/or sellers who failed to properly identify the contents of the cookie on the packaging.
"This failure in proper disclosure has led to this devastating yet preventable outcome.
“We stand with Órla’s family in this difficult time and extend our deepest condolences. They have been overwhelmed and comforted by the outpouring of love, support, and tributes from around the world.
“Órla’s vibrant spirit and her relentless pursuit of excellence in her art have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.”
In a video statement Stew Leonard's president and chief executive, Stew Leonard Junior, claimed the company’s chief safety officer was not notified of the ingredient change.
He said: “I can’t imagine how that family feels right now. We are all very sad about the whole thing.
“The supplier changed the recipe and started going from soy nuts to peanuts. Our chief safety officer at Stew Leonard’s was never notified.
"We sold [around] 500 packages of these cookies over the holiday [period]
"We have a very rigorous process that we use as far as labelling. We take labels very seriously, especially peanuts.
“I want to assure you that the food you buy at Stew Leonard’s is safe and everything is labelled properly here."
Cookies United disagree with the allegation and claim Stew Leonard's was notified about the recipe change in July 2023. It claims the information was sent to 11 Stew Leonard’s employees.
The school also fundraised for Anaphylaxis UK and educated children about the dangers of anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop rapidly
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings. Call 999 if you think you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction.
According to the NHS, symptoms include:
- swelling of your throat and tongue
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- feeling tired or confused
- feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- skin that feels cold to the touch
- blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
You may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
Orla’s family is encouraging people to make a donation to Allergy UK (www.allergyuk.org) or Anaphylaxis UK.
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