McDonald's Recalls 12 Million Shrek Glasses for Cadmium

Did you buy a collectible Shrek glass from McDonald's recently? If you did, you should be aware that it is now under recall for cadmium. According to the Associated Press, cadmium has been discovered in the decorative paint used to portray favorite Shrek characters onto glassware sold at McDonald's across the U.S. within the past month. Approximately 12 Million glasses are affected, of which 7 Million had been released to stores for sale. The 16 ounce glassware retailed for about $2.

What do you do if you have a recalled Shrek glass from McDonald's?

McDonald's will be releasing details on its website next week that will address consumer refunds for the product. The glassware is collectible and popular. This reporter purchased one late last week in a Fredericksburg, Virginia-area McDonald's for $1.99, wanting to get the whole set. However, only one design was still available for sale.

Cadmium is toxic, especially to children

Because cadmium is toxic, especially to children, parents should follow this recall carefully and dispose of their McDonald's Shrek glasses as ultimately instructed.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), cadmium is a known carcinogen that can cause kidney, lung and bone softening issues. Young children in particular absorb more cadmium than adults, which puts them at greater risk for casual exposure. In the case of the Shrek glassware sold at McDonald's, the paint leeched cadmium at unspecified levels above the levels deemed safe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; however, McDonald's still asserts they are safe. In the interest of extreme caution, the company has agreed to recall the Shrek glassware.

About Shrek Forever After

The four Shrek glasses available for sale at McDonald's across the country are to promote the newest Shrek flick, Shrek Forever After. Since its release on May 21, Shrek Forever After has grossed $154,132,920 domestically, nearly recouping the $165 Million Dollar production budget in the first two weeks of its release. Shrek Forever After is to be the Final Chapter, according to the movie's tag line. It is the fourth movie in the Shrek series.

Sources:

ToxFAQ's for Cadmium (ATSDR)
Box Office Mojo's Shrek Forever After box office stats