Two-Year-Old Hospitalized After Drinking Disinfectant from McDonald’s Happy Meal Water Bottle
A two-year-old girl was hospitalized after ingesting a potentially dangerous substance from a McDonald’s Happy Meal water bottle. The incident occurred on November 20 at a McDonald’s location in Kassel, Germany.
Incident Overview
The child’s mother ordered a Happy Meal that included a still water bottle. After opening the bottle in the restaurant’s parking lot, she noted nothing unusual about it at first. However, moments after her daughter consumed some of the liquid, the toddler reacted violently, turning red and crying out in pain.
The mother, aged 34, reported that the bottle cap was tightly sealed when she received it. To her shock, the bottle did not contain water but instead a liquid that smelled strongly of alcohol. Concerned for her child’s health, she rushed back to the restaurant to address the issue with the staff.
Response and Investigation
- The mother claims that restaurant staff did not take her concerns seriously.
- Emergency services were called after her child showed distress.
- The child received initial treatment on-site before being taken to the hospital for further evaluation of potential poisoning.
Authorities reported that the child was fortunate to have avoided severe injury. Local police are investigating the case for possible negligent bodily harm, suspecting that the bottle may have been mistakenly used by cleaning staff.
Witness Accounts and Company Statement
A witness at the scene described the event, noting the loud screams and sirens as emergency responders attended to the situation. A spokesperson from McDonald’s expressed concern over the incident and stated that the company is cooperating fully with local authorities. They have also confirmed that the contents of the bottle are being analyzed.
Previous Health Concerns
This incident is not isolated, as there have been previous reports of health issues linked to McDonald’s meals. In 2016, a mother claimed her daughter became severely ill after eating at a McDonald’s branch in Colchester, which resulted in hospitalization for severe poisoning.
The health and safety of customers remain paramount, and investigations into these incidents highlight the importance of ensuring food and beverage safety at all dining establishments.
