Child Hospitalized After Consuming Disinfectant Mistakenly Served in McDonald’s Happy Meal Bottle
A concerning incident occurred in Kassel-Bettenhausen, Germany, where a two-year-old girl was hospitalized after consuming a liquid mistakenly believed to be cleaning fluid. The child’s mother, Katharina Schlemm, reported that the bottle provided in a McDonald’s Happy Meal contained a substance that smelled strongly of alcohol.
Details of the Incident
On Thursday, Katharina Schlemm visited a McDonald’s drive-thru with her daughter. Upon receiving the Happy Meal, she discovered that the 0.33-liter bottle was filled with an inappropriate liquid instead of water. After her daughter took a sip, she exhibited alarming symptoms, turning bright red and screaming in distress.
Immediate Actions Taken
- The mother quickly called the police when the McDonald’s shift supervisor did not appear to take her concerns seriously.
- Emergency responders treated the child at the restaurant before transporting her to Kassel Hospital for further evaluation.
Authorities investigated the situation, suspecting negligent bodily harm. They confiscated the bottle for analysis to confirm its contents and reported that the child suffered no serious injuries.
Investigation and Response
Witnesses at the scene noted the chaos that ensued. One observer described the scene as having “a huge commotion and lots of flashing blue lights.” McDonald’s representatives stated they are cooperating with the investigation but have refrained from further comments until the matter is clarified. They expressed their concern regarding the incident and emphasized their commitment to proper food safety protocols.
As investigations continue, questions remain about how the disinfectant ended up in the Happy Meal bottle. The police have confirmed that there is no evidence of intentional wrongdoing on the part of McDonald’s.
This incident raises awareness regarding safety procedures in food establishments and the importance of vigilance in preventing similar occurrences in the future.
