Toxic metal forces recall of McDonald's Shrek glasses

COVINGTON, Ky. - McDonald's is recalling its Shrek drinking glasses because of a toxin in the painted design that could cause health problems for your children.

Some McDonald's restaurants are still promoting the $2 Shrek-themed drinking glasses on store signs as of early Friday morning, but it's expected that will change quickly. Marque signs promoting the glasses have already been taken down from in front of the Philadelphia Street McDonald's restaurant in Covington.

Tests found the design on the 12 million Shrek glasses contains the toxic metal cadmium. Cadmium was reportedly used to create the red and yellow colors in the graphic designs on the U.S.-made drinking glasses.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission says it fears young children are especially likely to touch the design with unwashed hands and then put their hands in their mouths.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen that, with prolonged use, could cause severe kidney problems and bone softening.

McDonald's is also asking families that have already bought the glasses to stop using them.

The nationwide Shrek glass recall was announced early Friday morning. McDonald's has told the Associated Press it plans to post refund instructions for the Shrek glasses on its website early next week.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for the latest on this recall.