From Happy Meals to Heirlooms: Passing Down McDonald's Magic Glasses Through Generations

McDonald's, one of the most iconic fast-food chains in the world, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of the festivities, they launched a unique and magical promotion called "McDonald's 100 Years of Magic Glasses." These glasses were a limited edition collection that harkened back to the retro designs of the past, featuring the iconic golden arches, vintage McDonald's logos, and vibrant colors. Each glass represented a different decade of McDonald's history, allowing customers to take a trip down memory lane while sipping their favorite beverages. The promotion was a huge hit among McDonald's enthusiasts and collectors alike. The glasses were highly sought after, and people lined up at McDonald's restaurants to get their hands on these limited edition treasures.

Have I lost you yet?

And yes, if a small child was wandering around holding a stray battery in their sweaty little hand and then sucked on their fingers - they could conceivably end up ingesting a small amount of Cadmium. And yes, if a small child was wandering around holding a stray battery in their sweaty little hand and then sucked on their fingers - they could conceivably end up ingesting a small amount of Cadmium.

The glasses were highly sought after, and people lined up at McDonald's restaurants to get their hands on these limited edition treasures. Some even resorted to buying multiple meals just to collect all the different glasses. The 100 Years of Magic Glasses not only served as functional drinkware but also as collectible memorabilia.

McDonald's to recall 12 million 'Shrek' glasses, citing cadmium health risks

I am keeping my Puss in Boots and Shrek glass as decoration, or maybe as a pencil cup or something unless they are giving out something else or a new non-contaminated glass for taking it back. For those worring what will happen to them years from now-It said it was a voluntary recall, they weren't being forced to do it so I am thinking they aren't too dangerous.

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

I am keeping my Puss in Boots and Shrek glass as decoration, or maybe as a pencil cup or something unless they are giving out something else or a new non-contaminated glass for taking it back. For those worring what will happen to them years from now-It said it was a voluntary recall, they weren't being forced to do it so I am thinking they aren't too dangerous.

It is the constant touching and the hazard of lead leaching or from the cadmium and into skin. That's why the jewelry someone mentioned above, made with the lead paint was more dangerous. One presumes that a person wearing it for it's intended purpose would be wearing it for several hours a day. Some people sleep with jewelry on. The exposure to absorbing the lead is greater.

Magpie

DIS Veteran

Folks, if you're thinking of keeping them for yourselves as "collectibles" or because you think you won't be "licking the outside", please make sure that in 30-40 years, when you're cleaning out the cabinets, or your family is cleaning out after you, that you made sure to mention in your will that you have poisonous glasses in the house, and they should be treated as hazardous waste. The Federal government has made it a "actionable" to sell or pass on items that have been considered dangerous. People selling "recalled" items at yard sales, flea market, or giving items to Goodwill can be held criminally liable for the items if dangerous.

I seriously doubt these cups are "hazardous waste". They have trace amounts, slightly higher than the "protective" level (whatever that is). And the recall is voluntary.

Here's where you can find cadmium in your house TODAY:

Plating on iron and steel

Alloys in copper wires

Pigments in plastic, ceramics, paints, inks

Colored glasses (any other painted glasses in your home, in other words)

Used as a stabilizer in plastic, PVC

Television and computer screens

Biocides and antiseptics

And evidently also in some Protein Shakes!

So I gather you'll be treating your whole house like a toxic waste site.

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

NONE of the items you mentioned (except the protein shakes ) are for food intended items. HOW one will use/handle the items is very important to the toxicity levels. Remember lead-based wall paints? The lead doesn't jump off of walls to kill children. It is an inert material, like most of the items you mentioned. But children are known to peel paint off walls and eat it. So lead based paints are a no-no these days.

It is presumed someone does not pick up batteries every day and licks the cadmium.

I missed the info on protein shakes. Eww! I'll have to research that one.

luvmy3

When I drink I find its easier t

It is the constant touching and the hazard of lead leaching from the cadmium and into skin. That's why the jewelry someone mentioned above, made with the lead paint was more dangerous. One presumes that a person wearing it for it's intended purpose would be wearing it for several hours a day. Some people sleep with jewelry on. The exposure to absorbing the lead is greater.

Another PSA for everyone: Do only use pottery/china for it's intended purpose. If it was not originally designed for food, do NOT use it for food.

As a ceramic artist/potter, many of us were told of a horrible story a long time ago - mostly to teach us to always use food-safe glazes, no matter what we are making:
A mother bought a beautiful, brightly colored, handpainted, glazed vase from Mexico or Italy, that she used as a carafe instead, to store and serve her son's daily orange juice. She thought it would brighten his day to see that carafe each morning.

Orange juice and citric acids, like lemons & tomato sauce, leach out toxic chemicals from pottery/glass glazes faster. We potters often use a slice of lemon as a quick, studio test, to test the softness of glazes. If a lemon can change the appearance of a glaze overnite, it is too soft and may leach other chemicals, not just lead.

Since the maker of the VASE, never in a million years thought the vase would be used for food purposes, there was no warning label put on that the glazes were made with lead. NON-food (intended) products do not need warning labels, even in the U.S.

After several months of drinking o.j. every day from the poisonous vase/turned carafe, the child died of lead poisoning. It wasn't until after, that they figured out what the cause was. The mother was naturally devastated.

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

Lead AND cadmium are not food safe, they BOTH leach out of paints and glazes and can be absorbed. That's my point.

luvmy3

When I drink I find its easier t

Lead AND cadmium are not food safe, they BOTH leach out of paints and glazes and can be absorbed. That's my point.

There are actually many different chemicals that can be hazardous in glazes if used in the wrong proportions. Safe glaze chemistry is quite a science. And as new technology is developed to test the toxicity of chemicals, we are having to alter glazes and throw out much loved, old glaze recipes all the time, that once were considered safe.

I'm not disputing any claims that they are dangerous or there are not many other dangerous chemcals, I'm just pointing out that lead and cadmium are two seperate things because you said that the lead leaches from the cadmium into the skin, but thats not correct since lead does not come from cadmium.

Magpie

DIS Veteran

NONE of the items you mentioned (except the protein shakes ) are for food intended items. HOW one will use/handle the items is very important to the toxicity levels. Remember lead-based wall paints? The lead doesn't jump off of walls to kill children. It is an inert material, like most of the items you mentioned. But children are known to peel paint off walls and eat it. So lead based paints are a no-no these days.

It is presumed someone does not pick up batteries every day and licks the lead.

I missed the info on protein shakes. Eww! I'll have to research that one.

The paint is not on the inside of the glass. It's on the outside, and away from any portion that touches anyone's mouth. The concern is that if a child is holding the glass for a *long* time, trace amounts may leach out of the paint onto their skin. And from there, possibly be transferred to their mouth - if say, they suck on their fingers.

Basically, these glasses are not at all in the same league as the lead-painted Mexican Vase in the story.

And yes, if a small child was wandering around holding a stray battery in their sweaty little hand and then sucked on their fingers - they *could* conceivably end up ingesting a small amount of Cadmium. But no one would ever suggest banning batteries from children's toys!

(Swallowing a battery, on the other hand, that CAN kill a child.)

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

I'm not disputing any claims that they are dangerous or there are not many other dangerous chemcals, I'm just pointing out that lead and cadmium are two seperate things because you said that the lead leaches from the cadmium into the skin, but thats not correct since lead does not come from cadmium.

Whoops, typo on my part. Going back to correct the posts, lead is lead and cadmium is cadmium, separate and dangerous, depending on the degree.

luvmy3

When I drink I find its easier t

I figured that because you seem to know your chemicals I just thought I'd point it out since there are probably alot of parents here concerned about the glasses and didn't want them to be confused.

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

I figured that because you seem to know your chemicals I just thought I'd point it out since there are probably alot of parents here concerned about the glasses and didn't want them to be confused.

You were absolutely right to correct me. Some DISers don't have the time to watch TV or get info elsewhere. (That saying "I learned it from the DIS." ) And if they repeat info where I accidentally, inadvertently mixed up the two chemicals, and then they tell other parents not to use the glasses and also mix up the chemicals (because of me, ) they lose credibility when someone realizes cadmium & lead are different. Those parents may continue to use the glasses, because they didn't trust the part of the info that was correct. I certainly don't want that.

gallaj0

DIS Cast Member

I seriously doubt these cups are "hazardous waste". They have trace amounts, slightly higher than the "protective" level (whatever that is). And the recall is voluntary.

Here's where you can find cadmium in your house TODAY:

Plating on iron and steel

Alloys in copper wires

Pigments in plastic, ceramics, paints, inks

Colored glasses (any other painted glasses in your home, in other words)

Used as a stabilizer in plastic, PVC

Television and computer screens

Biocides and antiseptics

And evidently also in some Protein Shakes!

So I gather you'll be treating your whole house like a toxic waste site.

The part about "hazardous waste" was a bit tongue in cheek, but many of the items you listed, once done for their intended use (batteries, computer screens, biocides and antiseptics) are by definition hazardous waste. I worked for a hazardous waste company for many years, and saw to the disposal of many "normal" household items you listed that, by government regulation, were hazardous waste. Many of these items would never have been considered hazardous when people bought them, but with regulation changes, they became illegal to dispose of normally during ownership.

Hey, if it's voluntary, you can keep whatever you want, but with people considering whether or not to keep these glasses, I thought it was cool to throw my 2 cents in. Good luck with those protein shakes.

Magpie

DIS Veteran

The part about "hazardous waste" was a bit tongue in cheek, but many of the items you listed, once done for their intended use (batteries, computer screens, biocides and antiseptics) are by definition hazardous waste. I worked for a hazardous waste company for many years, and saw to the disposal of many "normal" household items you listed that, by government regulation, were hazardous waste. Many of these items would never have been considered hazardous when people bought them, but with regulation changes, they became illegal to dispose of normally during ownership.

Hey, if it's voluntary, you can keep whatever you want, but with people considering whether or not to keep these glasses, I thought it was cool to throw my 2 cents in. Good luck with those protein shakes.

I never touch that stuff. Loaded with sugar and all kinds of perfectly legal chemicals - blech!

The McDonalds recall was on the news today. Apparently they had the glasses tested themselves as part of their normal routine for any new products and they came up as compliant with US federal regulations. Then some anonymous group had them independently tested, and they came up as barely over the "protective" limit. The manufacturer is insisting they're perfectly safe and it's some kind of nasty hoax. McDonalds decided to voluntarily recall them, rather than risk any kind of public debate on the issue. After all, whether the second test is accurate or not, it's a public relations nightmare. Better to recall them now, and hope it all goes away as quickly as possible.

BTW - if the glasses ARE safe, then it's the NJ manufacturer who will pay the price ultimately.

gallaj0

DIS Cast Member

It'd be nice if they were OK, they'd go great with my Disney 100 Years of Magic set and Star Trek set.
Yeah, I'm a geek.

Planogirl

I feel the nerd in me stirring

I only have one Shrek glass and I'm keeping it.

I'm puzzled as to what happened when McD's had them tested and why the Cadmium wasn't found then? Then some outside firm found the stuff? I need to find out who this outside firm is. I'm not usually suspicious but.

Imzadi

♥ Saved by an angel in a trench coat!

I only have one Shrek glass and I'm keeping it.

I'm puzzled as to what happened when McD's had them tested and why the Cadmium wasn't found then? Then some outside firm found the stuff? I need to find out who this outside firm is. I'm not usually suspicious but.

I don't think no cadmium was found. Quoting Magpie, she said the glasses were found "compliant with US federal regulations." I don't know what the percentage for compliance for U.S. food safety or handling of cadmium is. (Just making that clear. ) But, let's say, a random number to be used for my example, it is 4% leaching of cadmium is allowed.

When McD's tested the glasses for leaching, it may well have tested AT 4%. So they were well within the established acceptability level. At the limit, but still at acceptable compliant levels.

Now, there are a whole bunch of variables which affect glazes firing properly - and it can change from batch to batch, and from kiln to kiln, and even where the raw chemicals are harvested, (more impurities.)

It is possible that when this anonymous group tested a batch, that batch wasn't fired as long or at as high a temperature. (The same way household oven temps can vary and affect baking.) So, the overall glaze was softer and more porous, not as stable. Like an underbaked cookie. Since it is a leach test, more cadmium may have leached off, like 5-6%. (Again, just a ballpark figure. )

Another possibility is that 2 cadmium glazes were layered on top of each other at places to get a prettier color. Where McD's company leach tested, it was on a section of a single cadmium glaze. The area where the anonymous company tested, both glazes combined together might have allowed more than that (random) 4% to leach off.

So, someone also said here, the cadmium just tested over the limit. It is possible that it is very low. BUT, it is above U.S regulations.

Have I lost you yet?

Now, to stir up the pot, That 4% I randomly picked out is for U.S. regulations. In another country, their regulations may be 2% or a third country it is 6%.

Basically, if you want to keep your glasses, you have to move to a country where the cadmium level is considered safe. Just kidding there.

Used as a stabilizer in plastic, PVC

McDonald's enthusiasts were thrilled to add these unique glasses to their ever-growing collections, showcasing their passion for the brand and its rich history. Furthermore, these glasses tapped into people's nostalgia, evoking memories of childhood visits to McDonald's, happy meals, and the joy of collecting various toys and trinkets. They became a tangible symbol of McDonald's enduring presence in the fast-food industry and their ability to adapt and stay relevant over the decades. The promotion served as a reminder of McDonald's heritage and its commitment to providing customers with a memorable experience. It highlighted the brand's evolution, from its humble beginnings as a drive-in restaurant to a global fast-food giant with a loyal customer base. McDonald's 100 Years of Magic Glasses became a cultural phenomenon, with people posting pictures of their collections on social media, sparking conversations and nostalgia among friends and family members. It created a sense of unity and shared experiences, as people from different generations came together to celebrate and reminisce about their favorite McDonald's moments. In conclusion, McDonald's 100 Years of Magic Glasses was a brilliant promotional campaign that captivated customers, collectors, and fans of the brand. It successfully honored McDonald's rich history while also engaging with its customer base in a fun and nostalgic way. These glasses will undoubtedly continue to hold a special place in the hearts of McDonald's enthusiasts for years to come..

Reviews for "McDonald's Magic Glasses: A Reminder of Changing Trends and Fashion"

1. John - 1 star

I was really disappointed with Mcdonalda's 100 years of magic glasses. The quality was extremely poor and they broke within just a few days of use. Additionally, the design on the glasses started to fade away after just a couple of washes. I expected better durability and a longer-lasting design for the price I paid. I would not recommend buying these glasses.

2. Sarah - 2 stars

I purchased Mcdonalda's 100 years of magic glasses with high expectations, but unfortunately, they fell short. The glasses were small and uncomfortable to hold. The images on the glasses were blurry, making it difficult to enjoy the "magic" aspect. I was hoping for a fun and unique experience, but all I got was disappointment. I would not buy these glasses again.

3. Robert - 1 star

Mcdonalda's 100 years of magic glasses were a complete waste of money. The glasses were advertised as being able to bring characters to life, but all they did was give me a headache. The lenses were poorly shaped, causing distortion in the images. The glasses were uncomfortable to wear and the overall quality was subpar. Save your money and look for better options.

4. Emily - 2 stars

I was excited to try out Mcdonalda's 100 years of magic glasses, but they did not live up to the hype. The glasses felt flimsy and the images were not as vibrant as advertised. I also found the glasses to be quite heavy, making them uncomfortable to wear for a longer period of time. Overall, I was disappointed with the quality and experience offered by these glasses.

The Surprising Global Appeal of McDonald's Magic Glasses: A Case Study