Following reports of skin irritation and burns, McDonald’s is recalling 29 million “Step It!” fitness trackers included in some Happy Meals. According to a statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, McDonald’s received more than 70 reports of adverse events associated with the fitness bands, including seven reports of blisters.
Last week, the fast-food giant pulled the wristbands from stores in the United States and Canada. Company spokesperson Terri Hickey told USA Today said the wristbands are no longer being offered with Happy Meals. “We have taken this swift and voluntary step after receiving limited reports of potential skin irritations that may be associated with wearing the band,” she said in a statement.
The fitness band is worn like a watch, and was available in six colors. The band counted the number of steps the child took and blinked depending on the person’s speed. McDonald’s started offering the wrist bands instead of plush toys in early August. The move was part of a promotional campaign to make kids more active.
The bands were distributed from Aug. 9 to Aug. 17 nationwide. Some 33 million bands were manufactured, and the company said most never made it to consumers.
“McDonald’s is aggressively investigating this issue,” the company states on its website. “While we do not yet know what may be causing these incidents, we believe it is appropriate to recall these wristbands from consumers in an abundance of caution.”
Parents are advised to take the wrist bands from children. They can exchange them for a new toy or apple slices at a local McDonald’s.
