A group of customers started legal action against McDonald's in a British court on Wednesday, claiming the fast food chain knowingly served tea and coffee at dangerously high temperatures.
The action is being brought in Manchester, northwest England, by 20 McDonald's customers who claim they or their children were scalded by the drinks.
"I know that some would say such drinks are meant to be hot and that people should simply take more care," said Adrienne de Vos, solicitor for some of the customers.
"That misses the point," she said. "Customers don't realize just how hot and dangerous these drinks are -- they don't really appreciate the level of damage that can be caused."
In a statement, McDonald's said it was taking reasonable precautions when serving hot drinks.
"All our hot drinks are served in cups fitted with a lid and bearing the words 'caution hot,'" the statement said.
The company said it would be following the court case in Manchester but said it could not comment on individual cases.
Lawyers for the customers will lodge their complaints with the court, which will then adjourn for a full hearing at a later date - LONDON (AFP)
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