Last week, the company learned it was named in a civil lawsuit prompted by the death of a 2-year-old boy from League City, Texas, who also allegedly choked on a toy nail.

"As soon as we heard that, we made the decision to get the product back and find out what's going on," Verrecchia said.

The toy workbench is designed for children three years and older, company officials said. Both victims were younger than that.

Verrecchia said the nail, which is more than an inch wide, meets federal safety guidelines.

Consumers who return the plastic nails will receive a $50 gift certificate for Hasbro products. Verrecchia said consumers can also claim a gift certificate for returning toy plastic screws in the set, although those parts have not been blamed for any deaths and are not part of the recall.