Beijing ? China said Thursday it has banned lead-tainted exports by two toy manufacturers whose products were subject to major recalls in the United States, Beijing’s latest effort to repair its reputation as a safe supplier.

The General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said the restrictions on Lee Der Industrial Co. Ltd. and Hansheng Wood Products were temporary but did not give details.

“They have been asked to evaluate and change their business practices,” the administration said in a notice on its Web site.

It was not immediately clear how long the ban would last, or whether any further action was planned. The quality watchdog last month revoked the business licenses and barred exports by two other Chinese companies that made a tainted pet food ingredient linked to the deaths of cats and dogs in North America.

Officials at Lee Der and Hansheng, both in the southern province of Guangdong, said they had not heard about the export ban and refused to comment further.

The administration also warned that other toy manufacturers whose products do not meet safety standards overseas will not be allowed to sell their goods abroad until they rectify problems, and suggested that foreign companies who contract Chinese factories should take more responsibility.

“To prevent loopholes in quality control, overseas brand owners should improve their product design and supervision over product quality,” the administration said.

The agency said police were investigating two companies’ use of “fake plastic pigment” but did not elaborate. Such pigments are a type of industrial latex usually used to increase surface gloss and smoothness.

Lead poisoning can cause vomiting, anemia and learning difficulties. In extreme cases, it can cause severe neurological damage and death.