Hasbro Talks Tough on Safety

Hasbro is talking up its safety record by reminding parents it had nothing to do with recent safety recalls: A newspaper ad set to run next week will say consumers should feel good about buying Hasbro products, the AP reports. Experts say it could help the entire industry but warn it probably won’t affect Christmas gift choices and could even be tempting fate.

A toy analyst says given China's recent quality-control woes, Hasbro’s reassurances help, even if parents' fears are overblown. “Every toy that comes from China has been suspect in the consumer mind," he says. "That's completely not true.” But he warns that Hasbro’s strategy will backfire should it ever need its own safety recall. (More lead tainted toys stories.)