A two-year-old girl required emergency hospital treatment in Germany after drinking from a McDonald's Happy Meal water bottle that is suspected to have contained a chemical cleaning agent.
Emergency Response at Kassel Restaurant
The alarming incident took place on 20 November 2025 at a McDonald's branch in the city of Kassel. According to the child's mother, Katherina Schlemm, her daughter had a severe reaction immediately after taking a sip from the bottle provided with the meal.
Ms Schlemm reported that her daughter suddenly began to "scream" and her skin turned "bright red." Distressed by her child's condition and concerned about the contents of the bottle, Schlemm approached the restaurant staff. She claims that her urgent concerns were not taken seriously by the employees, which compelled her to bypass them and call for an ambulance directly.
Police Investigation and Corporate Response
Following the event, the German police have opened an investigation on suspicion of negligent bodily harm. The critical piece of evidence, the water bottle, has been sent for a detailed laboratory analysis to conclusively determine the exact nature of the liquid inside.
Fortunately, the young girl avoided any serious, long-term injury. A spokesperson for McDonald's stated that the company was "moved by the events" but has declined to provide any further commentary while the official investigation is ongoing.
Broader Implications for Consumer Safety
This event raises significant questions about safety protocols and customer care within major fast-food chains. The fact that a product specifically marketed for children is at the centre of this scare will undoubtedly concern parents. The outcome of the police inquiry and the laboratory tests will be crucial in understanding how such a potentially dangerous lapse could occur.
