Check your cabinets: Older McDonald's collector cups may contain toxic substances

While McDonald's new collector cups are safe, previous glassware sold by the fast-food giant may pose serious health risks due to toxic materials like lead and cadmium.

John Tufts reports for the Indianapolis Star.


In short:

  • McDonald's new 2024 collector cups are made of plastic, unlike earlier glass versions.
  • Past McDonald’s glassware, including 2010 Shrek glasses, was recalled due to toxic cadmium levels.
  • Lead contamination in older cups has been a long-standing issue, with some testing far above legal safety limits.

Key quote:

"Enough evidence was presented to show there was a definite health and safety concern."

— Rep. Theodore Aleixo, Massachusetts (D-Taunton)

Why this matters:

Exposure to toxic substances like lead and cadmium, even in small amounts, can cause severe health issues. Consumers should be cautious about both fast food packaging and older drinkware.

Related: Feeling old? It might be from heavy metal.

About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

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