Beijing: A Hong Kong-based bead toy maker whose products were recalled by the US and Australia over safety concerns, has apologised for using a toxic chemical and damaging the reputation of "Made-in-China" label.

The toys, whose recalls came after several children fell sick after swallowing the beads, were made by JSSY Limited's subsidiary Wangqi Product Factory in Shenzhen for Australia-based Moose Enterprises, according to the Xinhua news agency.

In a written apology, JSSY had admitted that it had used the toxic chemical as a softener, state-run China Daily reported.

"We apologise to the children who have fallen ill after swallowing the beads and their families. We also apologise to other Chinese toy makers who have been affected by the damage to the Made-in-China label," it said.

Investigations showed Wangqi Product Factory used the toxic "1,4 butylene glycol" as a softener in the production, and the products contained around 15 per cent of "1,4 butylene glycol". Quoting the company, China Daily said Moose Enterprises had sent it some bead samples in September 2005 and asked it to develop products with similar outlook and function.

The company, the paper said, decided to use 1,4 butanediol as a softener for its expansibility and viscidity - or adhesive nature (Cin a contract toy factory in Shenzhen and then exported the products to Moose.

Source : PTI