by Jessica Wright

Created on: June 04, 2010

"McDonald's Recalls 12 million 'Shrek' Glasses Due to Cadmium Contamination"

On Friday, June 4th, McDonald's, the world's largest food chain, recalled 12 million of their new "Shrek" drinking glasses, due to cadmium contamination.  This came after an anonymous tip to Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) in California.

The fast food restaurant had released four different designs of Shrek, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots and Donkey, selling for $1.99 each to promote the newest Shrek movie. 

It is not immediately known how the cadmium wound up in the paint.  "A very small amount of cadmium can come to the surface of the glass, and in order to be as protective as possible of children, CPSC and McDonald's worked together on this recall," stated CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson.

Cadmium is an element found naturally in nature, and used to make red and yellow paint.  It is severely toxic, even in small amounts.  Long-term exposure can cause severe damage to the human body.  Small exposure can lead to flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, chills, and fever.  Continued exposure can cause bronchitis and pneumonia.  Prolonged exposure can lead to the severe health risks, including fatal kidney damage, bone damage, lung damage, and increased risk of cancer.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission fear that young children are especially susceptible because they are more likely to touch the paint on the glasses, then their mouths, without washing their hands in between, giving them direct contact with the toxin. 

McDonald’s voluntarily agreed to recall the glasses, and has requested that those who have purchased the glasses stop using them and return them to the store for a refund.   They have asked the Associated Press to publish refund instructions by early next week.  "Our children's health should not depend on the consciences of anonymous sources," Speier said. "Although McDonald's did the right thing by recalling these products, we need stronger testing standards to ensure that all children's products are proven safe before they hit the shelves.”

This comes on the heels of the health scare involving dangerous metals in children’s jewelry this year, expanding contamination concerns.  Jewelry imported from China was found to have extremely high levels of lead cadmium.  Legislators are pushing for stricter testing of all kids’ products.

revenue from the promotion, but the perception concerns regarding the recall, McDonald’s does a better job marketing to other families than other quick-serve restaurants, so I do worry about the potential impact on sales.”

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