Following a massive recall of children’s jewelry earlier this year due to excess levels of toxic cadmium, McDonald’s is yanking more than 12 million promotional “Shrek Forever After” glasses after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that the glasses also contain high levels of the toxic metal. The CPSC did say that the glasses, which were given out at McDonald’s fast-food restaurants, contained significantly less cadmium than the levels found in the jewelry, but still were over acceptable limits.

So how did the CPSC find out about the excess levels in this case? They were tipped off by a consumer who had a testing device of her own**. Had this good citizen not tested the glasses, they’d likely still be out there.

These details bring up valid questions — most importantly, if products aren’t tested before hitting the shelves, how can we ensure our safety from toxic chemicals? Why isn’t there a certification process to ensure these products meet safety guidelines? How many other items are out there now that have toxic levels of various metals and chemicals in them?

12 million of these glasses are being recalled by McDonald's because of risks from cadmium, a toxic metal, found in tests.


 

Article source : http://mygloss.com/mama/2010/06/04/mcdonalds-recalls-shrek-glasses-due-to-cadmium/   June 4, 2010

**Editor's note : the consumer did the testing with her NIton XRF Analyzer**