According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), McDonald’s is recalling Hello Kitty Birthday Lollipop whistles because parts of the product can detach, posing choking and aspiration hazards to young children. About 2.3 million of these products were distributed in the United States, and 200,000 were distributed in Canada. Two children coughed out pieces of the whistle they sucked into their mouths. One child needed medical attention.
The recalled whistles are red and were included in a plastic Hello Kitty figurine holding a pink heart-shaped lollipop. The whistle is removable and can make sounds by a child inhaling or exhaling through the mouthpiece.
The figurine measures 3 inches high and 1-3/4 inches in depth. The whistle measures 1-3/4 inches in height and width and 3/4 inches in depth. The text “©1976, 2014 SANRIO CO., LTD.” appears above Hello Kitty’s face on the whistle. The bag in which the toy is packaged includes the text “Hello Kitty® Birthday Lollipop” and the number “6” in the upper right hand corner. The product was made in China.
This item was distributed exclusively at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from October 2014 through the first week of November 2014 with Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals. If your child received this product as a promotion from McDonald’s, take it away immediately. Return it to McDonald’s for a free replacement toy and a free yogurt tube or bag of apple slices.
According to federal law, no one can sell products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by CPSC. You can report an incident with the U.S. CPSC by filling out an online form.
