Chinese producer of toxic toys apologizes

The Chinese producer of toxic bead toys that led to massive recalls in the US has apologized, and also admitted to using a harmful chemical- 1,4-butanediol- as a softener during production of toys.

New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Chinese producer of toxic bead toys that led to massive recalls in the US has apologized, and also admitted to using a harmful chemical- 1,4-butanediol- as a softener during production of toys.

In a written apology, Hong Kong-based JSSY Limited Company also apologized to other Chinese toymakers whose business have been hit due to the damage caused to the reputation of Made-in-China label.

"We'll tighten risk analysis and management of chemicals to ensure product safety in future production," the statement issued by the JSSY stated.

In September 2005, Australia-based Moose Enterprises had sent the JSSY some bead samples, and asked it to develop products with similar outlook and function.

However, the company decided to use 1,4-butanediol instead of nontoxic 1,5-pentanediol as a softener.

The toys were then sold as Moose products in the US and Australia, and at least five children were reportedly fallen ill after swallowing the beads.

"We apologize to the children who have fallen ill after swallowing the beads, and their families," the China Daily quoted the JSSY statement, as saying.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), the country's top quality watchdog, has said that it would punish the enterprises involved according to law.

Exports of the bead toys were suspended as soon as the recalls were reported, and the export license of the toy factory in Shenzhen has also been revoked.

ANI