Statement by Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE in response to the food allergy death of Órla Baxendale following consumption of a cookie manufactured by Cookies United and sold by Stew Leonard’s, which contained undisclosed peanuts

“Our hearts ache for the passing of Órla Baxendale due to eating a cookie containing peanuts. Her death is a stark reminder of the fear and reality that the more than 33 million Americans with life-threatening food allergies face every day.

Her untimely passing on January 11 means that for her friends and family, they will never experience the awe and admiration of seeing Órla on stage again, her mother will never have the joy of seeing her smile, and her father will be forever deprived of the pride of walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.

As a member of the more than 33 million Americans with life-threatening food allergies, we stand in strong support of Órla’s family, and are determined to do everything possible to prevent future tragedies from happening whether that it is advocating for stronger food allergy training provisions at grocery stores and food manufacturers or funding food allergy research for new therapies and potentially a cure.”