News

Blogger finds cadmium in earlier McDonald's glasses

June 28, 2010

The California lawyer and blogger who originally alerted the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the levels of cadmium in McDonald's "Shrek Forever After" glasses has found similar levels in other glasses distributed by the chain, according to the Boston Herald.

Jennifer Taggart, who also authors TheSmartMama blog, conducted an X-ray fluorescence tests on glasses from McDonald's 2007 Shrek promotion and found they too contain low-level risk amounts of cadmium-based pigments, according to the story. She has alerted the CPSC, which is continuing its investigation into the initial recalled glasses.

The possibility that children could come into contact with the cancer-causing substance is prompting the CPSC to work to develop new standards for cadmium levels in children's products other than toys. The agency limits the amount of soluble cadmium in paints and coatings used on children’s toys but not all products intended for children.

From the story:

Scott Wolfson, a CPSC spokesman, said the agency had not seen the results of Taggart’s latest tests but was continuing its own inquiries.

"CPSC is doing additional follow-up work in the aftermath of the recall," Wolfson said. "The case is not closed."
Wolfson said the agency remained more concerned about Chinese-made children’s jewelry that is nearly solid cadmium, because it poses greater exposure risk if put in the mouth or swallowed. But he said the agency was developing new limits for cadmium in other children’s products such as the "Shrek glassware.

McDonald's earlier this month issued a recall for12 million of the Shrek souvenir glasses "out of an abundance of caution" after learning that children could get small amounts of cadmium on their hands by holding the glasses, even though the level met current industry standards. McDonald's is paying consumers $3 for each glass returned.