McDonalds has recalled 12 million promotional drinking glasses across the United States after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission warned consumers that the glasses contained cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, and recommended they be disposed of immediately. The outside of the Shrek-themed glasses were painted with a design which was found to contain cadmium. “We believe the Shrek glassware is safe for consumer use,” McDonald’s USA spokesman Bill Whitman told the BBC. “To... ...Read more »

The European Food Safety Authority’s Panel on contaminants in the food chain has set a reduced tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for cadmium of 2.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight (µg/kg bw), based on an analysis of new data. Cadmium is a heavy metal which enters the environment from natural sources, such as volcanic emissions and the weathering of rocks, as well as from industry and agriculture. It is found in the air, soil and water and can subsequently accumulate in plants and animals.... ...Read more »