McDonald's recalls Happy Meal fitness tracker
The attempt from McDonald's to combine fast food with fitness has come to an abrupt and unfortunate end due to a possible defect with its recently released wearable.
The band on McDonald's Step-It tracker, which was included in Happy Meals in the U.S. and Canada, apparently irritated the skin of some users and has led to a recall initiated by the company on Wednesday.
The small, plastic pedometer was touted by the company as a way to get kids active.
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We have taken this swift and voluntary step after receiving limited reports of potential skin irritations
"We are voluntarily removing the Step It! Activity Band Happy Meal toys in our restaurants in our United States and Canadian markets," Terri Hickey, a spokesperson for McDonald’s, told Mashable. "It will no longer be offered as part of our Happy Meals. We have taken this swift and voluntary step after receiving limited reports of potential skin irritations that may be associated from wearing the band."
No details beyond the statement were released and it's not clear exactly what went wrong in the run-up to the device's release. However, on the back of the device, the name China CWB is listed, just under the words "Made for McDonald's 2016," indicating that the device may have been produced in China.
Promotional videos of the device being used by children on YouTube, posted by McDonald's Canada account, have also suddenly disappeared.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers and we are fully investigating this issue," said Hickey. "Our restaurants are now offering our youngest guests an alternative Happy Meal toy."
Topics Fitness Trackers
