McDonald’s has recalled more than 32million Happy Meal toys after parents said their children had skin irritation and burns

MCDONALD'S has been forced to recall more than 32 million Happy Meal toys after parents said their children had suffered skin irritation and burns using the devices.

The STEP-iT activity wristbands, which were handed out by the fast food chain between August 9 and August 17, were supposed to encourage children to be more active while they were on their summer break.

However McDonald’s has issued a recall of the product, after parents in the US and Canada said their children were getting skin irritation and burns when they used them.

Customers have been told they can have a free replacement toy and as well as a yoghurt tube or bag of apple slices if they return the wristbands to restaurant near to them in person.

The fast food chain gave out around 3.6million wristbands in Canada and 29million the US.

A spokeswoman for McDonald’s said the company had "acted swiftly" once it was aware of the problem.

Terri Hickey said: "Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers which is why upon learning about concerns with these bands we acted swiftly to stop distribution of these products.

"We are now asking customers who have the activity bands to stop wearing them and return to any McDonald’s for a free replacement toy and a choice of a yogurt or apple slices.

"We apologise to our customers who were impacted and for the inconvenience this recall has caused."