US-based toy giant Mattel, on Friday, issued an “apology” to Beijing for inconvenience it caused by recalling millions of China-made toys and pledged to take responsibility.

Mattel Global Operations Executive Vice President Thomas Debrowski “apologised” to the Chinese people, admitting that the vast majority of its toys were recalled as a result of design flaws rather than manufacturing errors, Xinhua news agency reported.

Director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine Li Changjiang, during a meeting here with Mr Debrowski, said four persons, alleged to have provided substandard paint to Lida Plastic Toys Co. Ltd, a contract manufacturer of Mattel, have been arrested.

“The suspects can expect criminal sentences,” he said without revealing names.