McDonald’s is recalling 12 million of its collectible “Shrek” glasses after federal regulators found cadmium in the paint.
This image provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows Shrek Forever After 3D Collectable Drinking Glasses being promoted by McDonald's Corp that are being recalled because the designs on the glasses contain cadmium. (AP Photo/U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging McDonald’s costumers to stop using the glasses immediately. Health risks from long-term exposure to the cadmium are a concern.
Cadmium is used in battery manufacturing and found in cigarette smoke. Large exposure to the chemical can cause lung damage, kidney disease and bone softening. Prolonged contact with cadmium in small amounts also raises health concerns.
Childrens’ exposure to cadmium is particularly worrisome as they may put fingers in their mouth after holding the glasses, ingesting the chemical from the painted images. Repeated use of the glasses may inflict wear and tear on the designs, chipping the paint and causing greater exposure to the chemical.
The glasses, sold for $2 apiece, were used to promote DreamWorks new animated movie “Shrek Forever After.” Each has a painted design of Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, or Puss in Boots. McDonald’s commercials previously encouraged consumers to collect all four.
According to the CPSC, no injuries have been reported. Even so, the recall has raised concerns over contamination in childrens’ products.
According to The Huffington Post, McDonald’s will put refund information on its website next week.
