US consumer safety officials probe McDonald’s Happy Meal toy after near-strangulation

McDonald’s toy probed after Conn. safety complaint

HARTFORD, Conn. — Federal consumer safety officials are investigating a complaint that a 4-year-old Connecticut boy nearly strangled himself with a toy from a McDonald’s Happy Meal.

Connecticut consumer protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. said Monday that the boy from the New London area put the “Last Airbender Katara” bracelet-like toy around his neck June 30 and began to lose consciousness. He says his mother removed it before any serious harm was done.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday that the agency was investigating. McDonald’s says that the promotion ended July 22 and that the toy meets all requirements.

The mother says she didn’t call 911 because the boy appeared to be fine afterward.

The investigation comes nearly two months after McDonald’s recalled nearly 12 million cadmium-tainted “Shrek” drinking glasses.