A family in Alabama is reported to have sued Publix Super Markets on charges their son, suffering from tree nut allergy, died after consuming a cookie that didn't list food allergans.
Last June, 11-year-old Landon Wood died of anaphylactic shock after eating a mislabeled "Chocolate Chew" cookie from a store in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The death could have been avoided had Publix listed the ingredients on the bakery bag, the USA Today said, quoting Matt Abbott, who is representing the family.
Wood was in Clarksville along with his family to visit his aunt. At the bakery counter, there were no signs at or behind-the-counter about allergens.
Cline, Wood's mother, was told by a supermarket associate that "Chocolate Chew" did not contain any tree nut allergens, whereas it did contain walnuts, the USA Today said, quoting the lawsuit.
When the family returned home, Wood had few bites of the cookie and his mouth was burning, as per the lawsuit. Wood was given Benadryl and epinephrine was administered to his thigh, but his condition worsened .Wood's throat swelled on his way to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where doctors failed to resuscitate him.
"We were very sorry to hear about the loss of this young man. Our prayers go up for him and his family. However, since this is an open case Publix will not be able to comment about this any further," the USA Today reported Brenda Reid - media and community relations manager for Publix' Atlanta division - as saying.
The family is suing Publix for mental and emotional distress and suffering, as well as punitive damages. The lawsuit was filed in Tennessee Middle District Court in Nashville.
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