admin June 4th, 2010
Heavy metal poisoning has been linked to our nation’s favorite ogre, Shrek. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall warning consumers to stop using Shrek-themed drinking glasses while McDonalds restaurants recalled 12 million of the collectible glasses.
The 16-ounce glasses were available in four designs depicting the cartoon characters, Shrek, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots and Donkey. The designs contain paint that could transfer onto a child’s hand then enter the body if the child puts that unwashed hand to his or her mouth.
McDonalds originally teamed up with Dream Works Animation for the final chapter, Shrek Forever After, to encourage kids to choose healthy meal options. The happy meal alternatives include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and fruit juices. The Shrek themed glassware was part of this ongoing promotional campaign.
McDonalds has now teamed up with the CPSC to work together on this recall. According to the Associated Press, McDonald’s spokesman, Bill Whitman said he would not specify the amounts of cadmium that leached from the paint in tests, but said the amounts were slightly above the protective level currently being developed by the agency.
According to the CPSC, “long term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health affects.” Cadmium is a carcinogen that can cause bone softening and severe kidney problems.
However, some research shows that cadmium has no constructive purpose in the human body and cadmium and its compounds are extremely toxic even in low concentrations.
Along with the Shrek themed glassware, the CPSC has issued three recalls for jewelry containing cadmium, sold at Wal-Mart, Claire’s, a major jewelry and accessories chain, and at discount and dollar stores. For more information on item recalls log on to: www. cpsc.gov
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