TORONTO - Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. has recalled colourful plastic cups for children that were sold for more than a year by the coffee chain in North America.
About 20,000 cups were sold in Canada, and about 250,000 units were sold in U.S. stores, company spokeswoman Bridget Baker said Wednesday from Seattle.
The four styles of cups, made in China, feature a red ladybug, green turtle, pink bunny and yellow chick.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Starbucks said the protruding face can break off and leave small parts and sharp edges exposed if the cup is dropped.
The flaw poses a risk of children choking or cutting themselves.
The company has received seven reports of cups breaking, including two where children started to choke, but no injuries have been reported.
Baker said the cups were sold in Canadian stores from May 2006 to August 2007 for $7.95.
Consumers should take the cups away from young children and contact Starbucks for instructions on returning the cups for a refund.
Details: by phone at 888-288-4008
