The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issues a critical public health warning regarding Florentine cookies sold at Stew Leonard's in Danbury and Newington between November 6, 2023, and December 31, 2023. These cookies, marked with a "best by" date of January 5, 2024, contain undeclared peanuts, posing a significant health risk to individuals with peanut allergies.

Tragically, a suspected fatality potentially linked to the consumption of these cookies by an individual with a peanut allergy has been reported. DCP, in close collaboration with Stew Leonard's and the Food and Drug Administration, is conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the mislabeling and implement necessary corrective actions to ensure consumer safety.

Affected Products:

• Florentine Cookies (best by: January 5, 2024)
• Sold exclusively at Stew Leonard's Danbury and Newington locations
• Purchase dates: November 6, 2023 – December 31, 2023

In a precautionary measure, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) collaborated with Stew Leonard's to remove all baked goods produced by Cookies United from Stew Leonard's stores throughout Connecticut. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, involving DCP investigators, state and local public health officials in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, the Food and Drug Administration, and Stew Leonard's. The investigation aims to identify the root cause of the labeling error and assess the potential impact on other products and stores.