McDonald's recalled Shrek-themed drinking glasses in 2010 because cadmium was found in painted designs on the glassware.
The recall covered four glasses sold in the United States and Canada to promote the animated film Shrek Forever After. The designs used colored paint on the outside, and testing found cadmium in the printed decorations.
McDonald's asked customers to stop using the glasses and return them for a refund. The concern involved possible exposure from the painted surface, especially if the decoration wore away or was handled repeatedly.
This recall was separate from food contamination incidents at McDonald's restaurants. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, and the episode drew attention to chemical limits for decorative consumer products.