McDonald's explains why Monopoly pieces are out-of-date - and what to do

The fast-food chain recently relaunched its 'Monopoly' promotion, where McDonald's customers are given the chance to win food, money and prizes.

But on social media, many have expressed their disappointment and concern after seemingly finding an expired game piece with their food and drink.

Some have reportedly been led to believe their prize has expired, with some saying they have thrown them away.

@McDonaldsUK Errr, I've just got a meal deal and was excited to play the Monopoly game, but it seems all the potential prizes expired around four months ago?! pic.twitter.com/aujZrien0Y

— Jonny Meddy (@JonnyMeddy) September 5, 2021

@joandsparky @JoRussell_FM have you noticed that the McDonald’s monopoly tickets have all gone past their expiry dates. We’ve had a McDonald’s today and they all expired in May / June 2021 😳😳😳

— Nikki Pearman 💙 (@NikkiPearman) September 5, 2021

But McDonald's has since confirmed game pieces with a 2021 expiry date are actually valid as it has moved to reassure customers. 

In a statement, McDonald's said Monopoly was due to return in March but was delayed to do Covid restrictions and restaurant closures.

It said: "The Monopoly promotion at McDonald’s was initially planned to return in March 2021.

"However, it was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions and closures. Over 200 million Monopoly game pieces had already been printed and dated under audited, secure processes."

It said that McDonald’s had repurposed the packaging with outdated game pieces to ensure it could return for customers as soon as it was safe to do so in August.

It said that existing game pieces can be used and has since released a list of the new expiry dates for existing pieces issued:

Campaign dates

Play from - old 24/3/2021 / new 25/8/2021

Play until - old 4/5/2021 / new 5/10/2021

Collect to win

Redeem prize by (except McDonald's food) - old 4/6/2021 / new 5/11/2021

Redeem McDonald's food prize by - old 18/5/2021 / new 19/10/2021

Instant win

Redeem prize by (except food or discount vouchers) - old 4/6/2021 / new 5/11/2021

Redeem McDonald's food or Just Eat vouchers  -  old 18/5/2021 / new 19/10/2021

Redeem vouchers by (except Just Eat voucher) -  old 31/8/2021 / new 31/01/2022

Online Game

Enter from - old 24/3/2021 / new 25/8/2021

Enter by - old 4/5/2021 / new 5/10/2021

For more information - click here

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