McDonald’s to stop distributing Happy Meal activity trackers

After over three decades of handing out plush toys and plastic figurines, McDonald’s will be putting new “Step-it” activity trackers in their Happy Meals.

The “Step-it” tracker is worn on your wrist and tracks steps and blink lights at different speeds depending on the child’s activity level. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.

When I first saw these toys inside my kids’ Happy Meals, I couldn’t help but feel a little excited.

McDonald’s Happy Meals have always been popular with children thanks to the array of fun toys given away inside the box. The company had always been under pressure to include more fruits and vegetables on its menu.

ABC10 asked McDonald’s about the safety of the fitness tracker toy and Terri Hickey, a spokesperson for McDonald’s, said they’re investigating the issue and removing the toy. Your classic Happy Meal containing a cheeseburger, kid’s fries, apple slices and a Minute Maid apple juice box contains about 510 calories.

“Physical activity is important to everyone of all ages”.

The toy is available with Happy Meals in the US and Canada for four weeks, in conjunction with the fast food chain’s sponsorship of the Olympic Games. “We very much support children’s well-being”, Michelle McIlmoyle, McDonald’s Canada senior marketing manager, in a statement, Digital Trends reported.

While these efforts may be lauded in some quarters, they have been criticized in others.

Do fast food and fitness mix?