by Lynette Alice

Created on: June 05, 2010

McDonald’s recalled 12 million drinking glasses which they were selling for $1.99 each to help promote the recently released movie “Shrek the Third” on June 4, 2010. All four glasses in the series which depicted one of the main characters from the film; Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Puss in Boots, were contaminated. The issue has been traced back to cadmium which was found to be present in the paint used on the glasses.

McDonald’s voluntarily recalled all 7 million or so of the 12 million glasses which have been sold as a cautionary measure. The remaining glasses which were still in warehouses have been set to be disposed of in an timely manner. Scott Wolfson who is a spokesman for the organization CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) stated that a small amount of cadmium came to the surface of the glasses, but as of yet there is no information on just how the cadmium got into the paint used in the first place.

McDonald’s will provide all customers that return Shrek the Third glasses they purchased a full refund. All McDonald’s locations have been directed to fully co-operate with the recall and provide a “no questions, no hassle” return policy. So far no complaints have been lodged by any consumers whom have returned the tainted drinking glasses concerning securing a full and easy refund.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen which among other things can cause kidney problems and softening of the bones over long term exposure. Cadmium can enter a person’s system either by holding the glasses and  it being absorbed through the skin or by drinking from the glasses. It is not believed that anyone should be overly concerned about any damage to their health from these glasses as they have not been on the market long enough for what would be expected as minimal exposure to pose a risk yet as the levels of cadmium found to be present were only “slightly above acceptable levels.”

While McDonald’s and the CPSC have been actively encouraging everyone to return the glasses and have had the aide of the AP in keeping news releases on the return fresh, some people have kept the glasses and tried to sell them as “Limited edition collectibles” on several auction sites. To this point each of those sites have closed the auctions in question. Should anyone have any questions or concerns about the recall or glasses, further information can be obtained by calling the McDonald’s hotline at 1-800-244-6227 between the hours of 9am and 5pm cst.

Learn more about this author, Lynette Alice.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.