Citing a potential choking hazard, McDonald’s is voluntarily recalling 2.5 million Hello Kitty-themed promotional whistles recently given out in Happy Meals. The Chinese-made Hello Kitty Birthday Lollipop Whistles were distributed from October through early November of 2014 in the U.S. and Canada.

   According to a statement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, McDonald’s has received two reports of children who coughed out pieces of the red whistle that they had sucked into their mouths. One of those children reportedly needed medical attention.

   The recalled whistles were handed out in a plastic Hello Kitty figurine holding a pink heart-shaped lollipop. When closed, the figurine measures 3 inches in height and width and 1 3/4 inches in depth. The whistle, which can be removed, measures 1 3/4 inches in height and width and 3/4 inches in depth. It features a picture of Hello Kitty on both sides. The toy bag includes the text “Hello Kitty® Birthday Lollipop” and the number “6” in the upper right corner.

   Consumers should immediately take the whistle away from children and return it to any McDonald’s for a free replacement toy and either a yogurt tube or a bag of apple slices. For additional information, contact McDonald’s at (800) 244-6227 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. CT, seven days a week, or visit www.mcdonalds.com. – DV

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