The recall of toys left shop shelves bare [EPA]

A state-run newspaper said on Monday that Zhang Shuhong, who ran the Lee Der Industrial company, killed himself at a warehouse over the weekend.
 
His death comes days after China announced that it had temporarily banned exports by the company, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.
 
Lee Der made 967,000 toys that were recalled earlier this month by Mattel because they were made with paint found to have excessive amounts of lead. 

The plastic pre-school toys, sold under the Fisher-Price brand in the US, included Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters. The newspaper said that a supplier, Zhang's best friend, sold Lee Der fake paint that was used in the toys.

It is common for disgraced officials to commit suicide in China.

Liu, a manager of the company was quoted as saying: "The boss and the company were harmed by the paint supplier, the closest friend of our boss."'

Liu said Zhang hanged himself on Saturday.

No other details of his death were reported, but police were said to be investigating.

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