There's
a McDonald's in the food court next to the CBC Broadcast Centre in
Toronto -- and I eat there far more than I should. As a McD's
connoisseur, I bought the entire recent set of promotional Shrek 4
glasses - and bought some for friends.
Today it was revealed that the paint used in the glasses contains cadmium and are being recalled. McDonald's is offering full refunds - but is not manufacturing replacements.
Since the cups are collectibles (12 million were manufactured in North America), I, like many people in the office that I gave glasses to, are considering not returning them - cadmium paint and all.
Pre-recall notice, I've been drinking out of the Puss-in-Boots cup, and for almost a month now I've drank both hot and cold liquid out of it, put in the dishwasher, and the microwave once, too.
Yikes.
Certainly, I won't be drinking out of it any more. But I wonder how many consumers won't be parting with their "collectible" glasses to hold pens or loose change?
When a product is marketed as a limited edition collectible and is recalled for safety reasons, should they offer to either replace or refund to ensure consumers comply?
Update (June 8): I ended up returning the two glasses I had, and I received a $3 refund for each -- almost a dollar over the original purchase price.
Today it was revealed that the paint used in the glasses contains cadmium and are being recalled. McDonald's is offering full refunds - but is not manufacturing replacements.
Since the cups are collectibles (12 million were manufactured in North America), I, like many people in the office that I gave glasses to, are considering not returning them - cadmium paint and all.
Pre-recall notice, I've been drinking out of the Puss-in-Boots cup, and for almost a month now I've drank both hot and cold liquid out of it, put in the dishwasher, and the microwave once, too.
Yikes.
Certainly, I won't be drinking out of it any more. But I wonder how many consumers won't be parting with their "collectible" glasses to hold pens or loose change?
When a product is marketed as a limited edition collectible and is recalled for safety reasons, should they offer to either replace or refund to ensure consumers comply?
Update (June 8): I ended up returning the two glasses I had, and I received a $3 refund for each -- almost a dollar over the original purchase price.
Just a little remark, 12 million is a large number; it indicates there is approx one glass per Canadian household, i.e. this should not be considered as a collectible.
Hi
Is it possible to have your site translated to French?
if there is a recall on the collectible glass...doesn't that mean there will be less available...therefore worth more as a collectible down the road... Weren't matchbox cars made with lead paint? Old train-sets were loaded with lead, never hurt the value!
Absolutely not! Why does Health Canada still allow contaminated plastics from China?
I bought 3 Shrek glasses and started to get sick on May21st and I had to go about 4 times to my walk in clinic. I thought I had an infection but was tested and did not have one. I had the chills,I had stomach problems and I had epileptic aura's. These cups really made me sick. I have a boarder that lives with me and she saw how sick I was. She even came to the clinic with me. Last Saturday I had to go to the clinic again. Ever since I stopped drinking out of them I am better. I just pray this will never happen again. I was so sick.
Thank you Meg. Great point!
Saddest statement in the article: "McD's connoisseur"
I believe in some cases more than a full refund. my 7 year old child drank out of the cup i got him for a week. And he got a rash all over his body and swelled up some and I had to rush him to the local children's hospital. I am currently trying to contact someone from McDonald's to see if they will reimburse me for my medical bills that i have to pay. what ever my insurance doesn't cover. So don't drink out of the stupid cups.
No the offending companies should be banned from trade with Canada, they chose to break the law.
Bring back our good jobs to Canada instead; where we know we will get it right.
I don't see any reason a consumer should get more than just a full refund. Collectibles are a nice hobby, but their value won't be worth much higher than the retail price until later on. These glasses are brand new on the market, full refund is equal fair trade value. Asking for more is like suing because you spilled hot coffee on yourself.
NO....
I didn't get the chance to get any of the Shrek glasses, but I do have other that I've collected over 30 years ago.
But now I wonder if they're safe, after all they were also fully in compliance with all applicable Canadian requirements at the time of manufacture and distribution.
Back when I added glasses to my collection, I think they were free with a purchase. Should I just give them back? I wouldn't just give my collection away.
My point is that if these were marketed as collectables, it should be worth it for me to return them. A full refund is what I expect from a food recall, not my collection.
I wish they'd offer replacements I really liked my puss in boots one I wasn't really attached to it being a shrek cup but I really liked the style of the cup I have a Wonderful world of disney one from years ago that I have come to love. and I lost my train of thought
Are we really living in a world where Shrek glassware is considered valuable?