Starbucks recalls children\'s cups over choking hazard; 22,300 in Canada

OTTAWA - Health Canada and coffee giant Starbucks announced a major recall yesterday of children's cups sold in Canada and the United States amid fears the plastic mugs can break, and choke or lacerate children.

Starbucks was prompted to initiate the recall after the company received seven reports of the cups breaking, including two incidents in which children began to choke on the broken pieces.

The recall includes about 270,000 children's cups made in China and sold at Starbucks stores from May, 2006, to August, 2007. About 22,300 cups were sold in Canada, according to Health Canada.

The first report of a cup breaking and creating sharp edges was reported to Starbucks in June, 2006, while the rest were reported within the last six months.

The company announced the recall only this week, however, because it had to conduct a proper investigation to determine the problems and risks involved, said Starbucks spokeswoman Bridget Baker.