Aug 24, 2016
McDonald’s recalls 33M Happy Meal fitness trackers: What Canadians need to know
, BNN Bloomberg
McDonald's has issued a recall notice in both the U.S. and Canada on a wristband tracker that was offered in its Happy Meals, due to a risk of skin burns or irritation. Here's what you need to know about the unsafe activity wristbands.
What is McDonald’s recalling?
The fast food chain announced Tuesday that it’s recalling 33 million Step-iT Activity Bands. The fitness trackers were distributed in a Happy Meal promotion that ran from Aug. 9 to Aug. 17, coinciding with the Rio Games. The wristbands came in two types, and in six colours: the “Activity Counter,” which acts as a pedometer, and the “Light-up Band,” which lights up with the child’s movement.
McDonald’s said that many of the wristbands had not yet been distributed, as the company stopped including them in Happy Meals on Aug. 17.
Why are they being recalled?
The recall comes after McDonald’s received more than 70 reports of minor skin irritations, blisters, burns and other problems. "Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers which is why upon learning about concerns with these bands we acted swiftly to stop distribution of these products," said Terri Hickey, a spokesperson for McDonald's, in a statement.
Does it affect Canadians?
Yes. McDonald’s says almost 3.6 million of the recalled wristbands were distributed in Canada. At least eight of the incidents reported happened in Canada.
What should consumers do with the fitness trackers?
McDonald’s is asking customers who have the wristbands to keep them away from children and return them to one of their restaurants. Customers will receive a replacement toy, and either a free yogurt or bag of apple slices. For more information, Canadians can visit Health Canada’s website, or call McDonald’s at 1-888-424-4622.
How might this affect McDonald’s?
The company says the recall has no impact outside Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean region.
The promotion had received attention even before the recall, considering the criticism McDonald’s has received as a seller of junk food. “This whole idea to try and make this great, positive, healthy move backfired into a huge recall, which is difficult and expensive – and embarrassing for the brand,” John Yorke, president at Rain43, told BNN in an interview earlier this month.
In addition to the fitness trackers promotion, McDonald’s has been trying to change its reputation as an unhealthy food outlet by including fruit in its Happy Meals and announcing that its U.S. chicken nuggets will no longer have artificial ingredients.
