Órla Baxendale, a 25-year-old dancer hailing from the United Kingdom, perished in a mislabeled cookie containing almonds. Her demise has been deeply felt throughout the dance community and beyond.
A surge of condolences, discussions regarding food safety, and inquiries regarding accountability have been prompted by the incident.
Those who knew Örla were profoundly affected by her exuberant and memorable persona. A colleague dancer and friend, Lilli Jacobs, characterized her as possessing an “effervescent personality” and acting “like a spring fairy.”
Örla had relocated to New York City to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Before January 11, an untoward incident befell her, depriving her of the fullness of life.
The family of the performer disclosed that she experienced anaphylactic shock after consuming a Vanilla Florentine cookie from the renowned supermarket chain Stew Leonard’s.
Örla was not informed that the cookie, which is produced by Cookies United, underwent a recent alteration in its composition to incorporate peanuts.
The Food and Drug Administration and Stew Leonard’s have issued a recall for cookies that were sold in Connecticut under incorrect labeling from November 6 to December 31, 2023.
Notwithstanding the recollection, the dance community is in a state of disbelief, lamenting the demise of a highly potential individual.
An acquaintance of Örla’s from the esteemed Ailey School, Lexi Sim, recollected her as possessing qualities that were both delicate and lovely, resilient and strong, and imbued with an effortless grace.
Örla commenced her dance career in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she successfully completed her studies at Elmhurst Ballet School before becoming a scholarship student at the Ailey family in New York City in 2018.
Her contributions to the New York dance community were lauded in a statement issued by The Ailey School, which also expressed profound sorrow over her untimely demise.
Örla, apart from her academic pursuits and professional obligations in New York, undertook a tour as a member of the dance illusionist troupe Momix and engaged in partnerships with Steps on Broadway and The Ride NYC.
These organizations’ tributes emphasized her extraordinary talent, cheerful disposition, and generous nature.
Concerning food safety and accountability, the circumstances surrounding Órla’s demise have ignited a discourse. Cookies United’s claims were refuted by Stew Leonard Jr., the chief executive officer of Stew Leonard, who stated that the grocery chain was not informed of the recipe modification by the manufacturer.
Many are still seeking answers and accountability regarding the mislabeling that precipitated this catastrophic loss in light of the ongoing investigation.
To commemorate the life of Örla Baxendale, her family has launched an internet-based fundraising campaign in support of Allergy UK, a medical charity that is committed to promoting allergy awareness. Nearly $13,000 has been raised through the fundraiser, which features a request for anaphylaxis education to prevent future catastrophes of a similar nature.
Not only has the dance community lost a gifted performer, but also a beloved member. Arda will be remembered for the fervor, sincerity, and happiness that she imbued in those in her vicinity.
The dance community is in mourning as the investigation progresses; the tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical nature of food safety and the severe repercussions that can ensue from mislabeling within the sector.
