This is a rather odd turn of events in the entire lead paint fiasco:

U.S.-based toy giant Mattel Inc. issued an extraordinary apology to China on Friday over the recall of Chinese-made toys, taking the blame for design flaws and saying it had recalled more lead-tainted toys than justified.

The gesture by Thomas A. Debrowski, Mattel’s executive vice president for worldwide operations, came in a meeting with Chinese product safety chief Li Changjiang, at which Li upbraided the company for maintaining weak safety controls.

“Our reputation has been damaged lately by these recalls,” Debrowski told Li in a meeting at Li’s office at which reporters were allowed to be present.

“And Mattel takes full responsibility for these recalls and apologizes personally to you, the Chinese people, and all of our customers who received the toys,” Debrowski said.

This really sounds like Mattel is more worried about profits than safety. I wonder if there was a risk of them losing China for their manufacturing? My suggestion to parents; No matter how much your kids want that Mattel toy, explain to them that their life is more important and you will find something better made by a safe company. Let the toy giant suffer this Christmas. Corporate greed can never trump safety in our nation, especially the safety of our children.