McDonald's Recall Update: US Gov't Tells Parents to 'Act Now' on Activity Tracker; Exchange for Yogurt Tube or Apple Slices
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission circulates advisory regarding McDonald's Step-iT Activity Wristbands.
The United States government, through the Consumer Product Safety Commission, advised parents to immediately turn over the fitness trackers that came with kiddie meals from McDonald's.
The Commission urged them to head over to the nearest branch of the fast food chain and exchange the wristband with another toy and a yogurt tube or a pack of apple slices.
In a report released on Tuesday, McDonald's withdrew 3.6 million and 29 million units of the wristbands from Canada and the United States, respectively.
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This came hot on the heels of 70 reported incidents concerning children obtaining rashes and blisters from using the trackers.
McDonald's spokesperson Terri Hickey said in their press release that they have taken this action after getting reports of "potential skin irritations" that may be the result of wearing the wristband.
About the product
The wristband, which was manufactured in China, was intended to be part of McDonald's Happy and Mighty Kids Meals. It comes in six bright colors with two different designs—an Activity Counter and a Light-Up Band.
The recalled wrist-worn pedometers blink according to the walking or running pace of the person wearing it.
According to the advisory released by the commission, McDonald's Oak Brook, Illinois is the originating branch in charge of the distribution.
Questionable marketing strategy
Contrary to the intentions of the fitness tracker, the food that comes with the toy in their trademarked meals has 20 grams of fat and 530 calories. Because of this, it has sparked a lot of discussions regarding the company's objectives and branding.
Reports say that it will take an hour and thirty minutes of activity for an average adult, who weighs 190 pounds, to burn this many calories.
Seattle Children's Hospital associate professor Michelle Garrison of the adolescent and child psychiatry section said that McDonald's is sending mixed messages by releasing this toy. She expressed that it could be one of the company's efforts to tell their consumers that their Happy and Mighty Kids Meals are healthy.
She also added that while it may be good for the families to walk together to reach a certain number of steps, it is not enough as the benefits from using these fitness trackers are only temporary. It takes more than just a few weeks of physical activity to be fit.
Jennifer A. Emond, pediatrics department associate professor of the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, agreed that the fast food giant's strategy of endorsing not-so-healthy food together with anactive lifestyle, was a typical marketing ploy.
Healthy alternative
Emond recommended more natural ways of keeping fit, such as walking, playing games, or simply strolling in the park with the family.
