McDonald's Recalls Happy Meal Fitness Bands After Burn Reports

McDonald's is recalling millions of Happy Meal fitness trackers following reports of skin irritation and burns.

It has received more than 70 reports of incidents involving the Step-It Fitness bands, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

These include seven people who reportedly suffered blisters after wearing the gadget, which was distributed with children's Happy Meals in America and Canada.

"The recalled wristbands can cause skin irritation or burns to children," the CPSC said on its website.

Last week, McDonald's bosses confirmed they would stop distributing the bands, which come in blue, green, purple, orange and red, and are designed to look like watches.

Now, they have announced a recall of 29 million in America and a further 3.6 million in Canada.

Customers are being advised to return the wristbands, which monitor physical activity, to any McDonald's outlet.

They will receive a free replacement toy and either a yoghurt tube or bag of apple slices, said the CPSC.

The wristbands were made in China and distributed exclusively by McDonald's between 9 August and 17 August.

As one of the biggest fast-food retailers in the world, the fitness promotion had caused controversy even before the recall.

McDonald's has been trying to change its reputation in recent years, for example introducing fruit to its Happy Meals and bringing in healthier meals options.