Mattel apologises to China
Toy manufacturer admits recalls of millions of goods damaged country’s reputation.
Debrowski said he was fully aware of the damage that had been done to the reputation of Chinese goods.
“But it’s important for everyone to understand that the vast majority of those products that we recalled were the result of a design flaw in Mattel’s design, not through a manufacturing flaw in Chinese manufacturers.”
Recalls unwarranted
The company also said in a statement that too many toys had been recalled, saying that was because it puts safety first.
“Mattel is committed to applying the highest standards of safety for its products.
“The follow-up inspections also confirmed that part of the recalled toys complied with the US standards.”
Li, however, descibed the recalls as “unacceptable.”
But Li also struck a conciliatory tone with the company, which directly and indirectly employs thousands of Chinese.
“I appreciate your objective and responsible attitude towards the recalls and your sincere attitude towards our future cooperation.”
Unsafe goods
The official Xinhua news agency quoted Li as saying that police had detained four Chinese nationals accused of having supplied one of Mattel’s contract manufacturers, the Lida Toy Company, with the substandard paint behind the first recall in August.
Zhang Shuhong, Lida’s boss and a Hong Kong businessman, killed himself after the recall.
“The four suspects can expect criminal sentences,” Xinhua quoted Li as telling Debrowski.
China is a world leader in the toy-making industry, exporting more than 7 billion dollars worth of toys last year.