January 23, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INCORRECT STEW LEONARD’S PRESS RELEASE
It has come to the attention of Cookies United that a customer of Stew Leonard’s has tragically died as a result of eating cookies containing peanuts. Our hearts and condolences are first with the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
Stew Leonard’s claimed in an earlier press release that “The cookies contain peanuts, which was an ingredient not disclosed to Stew Leonard’s by the manufacturer.” [bold is ours] Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly. This product is sold under the Stew Leonard’s brand and repackaged at their facilities. The incorrect label was created by, and applied to, their product by Stew Leonard’s.
In the 24 hours since Cookies United learned of this tragedy we have been cooperating with the New York State Department of Agriculture and have been informed we are in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations relating to this product.
Our deepest sympathies to the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
Walker G. Flanary III, General Counsel
516.770.4253
wflanary@cookiesunited.com
www.cookiesunited.com
January 24, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[INCORRECT STEW LEONARD’S PRESS RELEASE – UPDATE]
Further to Cookies United’s press release from January 23, 2024, and the accusation from Stew Leonard’s that the peanut ingredient was not disclosed to them, attached is the communication from July 20, 2023 sent to 11 Stew Leonard’s employees (whose redacted emails are listed below):
s***a@stewleonards.com
p***s@stewleonards.com
b***y@stewleonards.com
c***n@stewleonards.com
m***z@stewleonards.com
c***r@stewleonards.com
h***o@stewleonards.com
d***d@stewleonards.com
c***l@stewleonards.com
a***e@stewleonards.com
a***o@stewleonards.com
Additionally, attached please find an image of the label that Cookies United has used in all shipments to Stew Leonard’s since July 20, 2023. (correctly calling out the ingredients list, including Peanuts).
We are fully cooperating with the authorities regarding this heartbreaking event. This is a tragedy that should have never happened and our sympathy is with the family of this Stew Leonard’s customer.
(Please download PDF above to see related documents)