Don’t drink from those glasses, Don-keh!
McDonald’s is recalling all of the “Shrek” glasses it sold recently, because the paint on them could make people sick.
The paint contains cadmium, which could cause long-term health effects for people who drink from the glasses. It would take a lot of cadmium to hurt someone – far more than just a few drinks – but the company wants to take no chances.
The company has sold 12 million of the glasses in the United States. People who bought the glasses can take them back to McDonald’s for a full refund.
McDonald’s has been promoting the new movie, “Shrek Forever After” and was selling the glasses in the US and Canada for about $2 each. The glasses feature pictures of Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss n’ Boots.
It seems that not every McDonald’s restaurant in Canada has gotten the message about the recall. Last Friday, a reporter from the Toronto Star went into a McDonald’s restaurant at the Eaton Centre and was able to buy two Shrek glasses. An employee at the restaurant told the reporter that he was aware of the recall in the US but hadn’t heard about one in Canada.
Links:
McDonald’s corporate website.
An article in The Toronto Star, featuring pictures of the glasses.
Recall notice:
Below is the recall notice posted on McDonald’s corporate website.
Shrek Glassware Recall – Customer Refund Information
Updated June 5, 2010
In collaboration with Health Canada and as a precautionary measure, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited today issued a voluntary recall of its four Shrek Forever After™ glasses.
Customers are asked to stop using the glasses and are invited to contact our dedicated, bilingual customer service centre at 1-877-495-5502 with any questions.
Hours are:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST
Sunday, June 6 only: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST
Customers can return their glasses to a McDonald’s Canada restaurant for a cash refund.
McDonald’s safety standards are among the highest in the industry and the company has a strong track record. There have been no reports of illnesses related to the use of these glasses.
The well-being of our customers is our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but product safety and quality at McDonald’s will not be compromised.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Writing/Discussion Prompt
In the statement issued by McDonald’s, the company said that “the well-being of our customers is our top priority.” While McDonald’s was careful to recall the glasses so people don’t get sick, many health experts argue that McDonald’s food is very harmful due to the very high levels of fat, oil and sodium (salt) in their food. So, what do you think: do you think McDonald’s cares about the well-being of their customers?
Reading Prompt
McDonald’s recalled the Shrek glasses because they contain cadmium, which could be harmful to humans. Brainstorm or research other items that were used by people all the time but have since been recalled because they are unsafe. Do you think it is necessary to recall these items even though it is unlikely for someone to get sick from using them?
Primary
extend understanding of texts by connecting the ideas in them to their own knowledge and experience, to other familiar texts, and to the world around them (OME, Reading: 1.6)
Junior
extend understanding of texts by connecting, comparing, and contrasting the ideas in them to their own knowledge, experience, and insights, to other familiar texts, and to the world around them (OME, Reading: 1.6)
Grammar Feature: Verbs
Verbs are action words. Some examples include: running, jumping and singing. Circle all of the verbs in the article and discus whether they are in the past or present tense.
