Toxic Metal Found In McDonald's "Shrek" Glasses; Prompts Recall

McDonald's is recalling approximately 12 million "Shrek" drinking glasses which have been found to be contaminated with cadmium, a toxic metal.

According to reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is scheduled to announce the recall later Friday after a sample of glasses were tested and found to contain cadmium, a metal found in many batteries, some paints and plastics as well as tobacco smoke.

Cadmium and cadmium-containing compounds are known carcinogens. It is believed the greatest exposure to cadmium in the general population is from tobacco smoke. Long-term exposure of the metal is linked to a buildup of it in the kidneys, possible kidney disease and lung damage. The metal is considered challenging to remove from the body once it has entered.

McDonald's is issuing the recall on the glasses, which retailed for $2 a glass and anyone who has purchased a "Shrek" glass is asked to return them to McDonald's for a refund.

The recall was initiated by an anonymous tip to the office of a California U.S. Representative's office, and the glasses were tested on an accelerated basis.

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