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McDonald's recalls Happy Meal fitness trackers after skin problems

By Allen Cone
McDonald's Step-It activity wristbands, which come in six colors, are being recalled due to risks of skin irritation or burns. Photo courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
McDonald's Step-It activity wristbands, which come in six colors, are being recalled due to risks of skin irritation or burns. Photo courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- McDonald's is voluntarily recalling its fitness trackers distributed in Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals because of customer reports of skins irritations and burns from wearing them.

The recall affects all of the restaurants in the United States and Canada, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

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McDonald's has received more than 70 reports of incidents, including seven reports of blisters, after customers wore the wristbands, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Approximately 33 million Step-It Activity Bands were manufactured in China for the United States and Canada.

"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. "We are now asking customers who have the activity bands to stop wearing them and return to any McDonald's for a free replacement toy and a choice of a yogurt or apple slices. We apologize to our customers who were impacted and for the inconvenience this recall has caused."

The plastic pedometers measure steps and blink quickly or slowly depending the wearer's pace. The recalled wristbands come in two styles: "Activity Counter" and "Light-up Band," and in six bright colors.

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Customers may also call McDonald's toll-free number at 800-244-6227 or visit www.happymeal.com/recall.html for more information.

The trackers were a way to promote healthy living with food items that have been criticized for having a low nutritional value. But in August, McDonald's announced it removed artificial preservatives from its Chicken McNuggets and some breakfast items, and replaced high-fructose corn syrup in its sandwich buns with sugar.

"It's nice to be able to have something that encourages kids to be more active, instead of handing out a big ice cream cone along with it," Dr. Lisa Thebner, a pediatrician in New York City, told CNN.

But Jennifer A. Emond, assistant professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, said they "not a credible way to promote healthy lifestyles to children."

"It's a common tactic used by food manufacturers. They promote their products alongside with healthy lifestyles," Emond to CNN.

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