BURGER KING - Maybe they should recall their fries instead?

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http://www.boston.com/dailynews/212/nation/Fast_food_chain_Burger_King_re:.shtml

Fast-food chain Burger King recalls almost 3 million toys that pose danger to kids

By Associated Press, 7/31/2001 07:24

MIAMI (AP) Burger King has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of 2.6 million kid's toys because they are potentially hazardous to children.

The fast-food giant warned parents Tuesday to take the ''Look For Me Bumble Bee'' and ''Hourglass Space Sprout'' toys away from kids and return them for a free, replacement toy.

There have been no injuries or deaths associated with the toys, but Burger King decided to voluntarily recall the toys after an independent consultant found they could break into small pieces, posing a choking hazard to children.

Burger King has received 18 reports of the toys breaking. They were offered in Kids Meals for children under three years old.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission joined Burger King in making the announcement. Burger King and the Commission did not immediately return phone messages left by The Associated Press.

The recall is the second time in four months that the problem has focused on the new line of toys designed under the company's new toddler design program that started distribution in January.

''We guard the safety and well-being of our customers very seriously,'' said Burger King spokesman Chris Clouser. ''We believe this is an appropriate precautionary move.''

In March, Burger King announced it was recalling 400,000 ''Rattling, Paddling Riverboat'' toys it distributed nationwide between Jan. 15 and Feb. 13 because they posed a choking hazard.

The company last year recalled toy Pokemon balls after a 13-month-old California girl suffocated on the toy and a 4-month-old Indianapolis boy died when the ball-shaped container lodged over his mouth and nose.

In the two most recent toys, Burger King's consultant found that the bumblebee could come apart and the small beads inside the body could cause a child to choke. The hourglass had two potential choking hazards red balls that could break off and the toy body that could break open releasing small beads inside.

Problems with the safety of fast-food toy promotions have affected other fast-food companies, and about 30 million of the free toys have been yanked off the market in less than two years.

In March, McDonald's voluntarily recalled about 234,000 toys that come with the restaurant chain's Happy Meals after learning three children had choked or gagged on the ''Scooter Bug'' antenna, which is prone to breaking off.

On the Net:

Burger King: http://www.burgerking.com

McDonald's: http://www.mcdonalds.com

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Answers

Brooks, right, fries are potentially dangerous to little kids too. They can get one of them caught in their throat and choke to death. I sometimes wonder who comes up with this stuff, finding danger lurking everywhere? Probably some really weird people who are alarmed every day at the possible harm that can inflict us. I think they must have some sort of phobia themselves. Endangeraphobia, maybe?

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

"They can get one of them caught in their throat and choke to death.

Good grief, Gordon, why make it so complicated? I was just thinking they might swallow them. That deep fry oil gets to be pretty toxic after a while.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001


French fries are one of the few delights I allow myself. Lay off! But they're not fast-food fries, they come from the yuppie diner where only the best vegetable oil is used :) I hope. I'm not gonna ask.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

I think it would be nicer if they would just lower their prices, instead of raising them to pay for these free toys.

If you want them to make healthier food, you're dreaming.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001


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