Holiday Shopping Alert: Play Your Cards Right and Play It Safe!

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to overwhelming concerns mounting from the recent toy recall, the Upper Deck Company has an important message for parents and shoppers: Upper Deck sports cards offer a proven safe gift-buying alternative this holiday season!

"Over nearly 20 years of producing official, licensed MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL trading cards, we have never had a product recalled," said Horst D. Riechers, Vice President of Global Operations for Upper Deck. "We adhere to the strictest codes and measures set forth by governments around the globe as well as the Consumer Product Safety Commission."

Safety and value have always ranked high on Upper Deck's quality control agenda, with all of their sports cards proudly made in the USA. The company is also in constant contact with each of its vendors during the printing of the company's multiple sports trading card lines. No lead-based paint, laceration hazards or small parts to choke on. Just good, old-fashioned card collecting at its best. Rip a foil pack and enjoy the players, teams and moments in a safe and fun product.

"The latest recall has heightened global concerns about the safety of products made in China," added Riechers. "Parents can rest easy knowing that Upper Deck sports cards represent some of the safest products the American consumer can buy this shopping season."

Hobby shop owners from across the country agree. "Absolutely, I'd say they're extremely safe," said Gina Fox of Fox Sports Cards in Marion, Ill. "But the best part about trading cards is that it's a really fun activity that can be shared with friends and family. Getting injured has never been part of the equation."

Bob Tricomi, shop owner at the On Deck Circle in Cooperstown, N.Y., added: "There's no correlation between trading cards and potential hazards. It's always been a safe American pastime."

Although the current toy recall hoopla is impacting major toy manufacturers across the globe, the Upper Deck Company stands secure in the knowledge that its sports cards are produced with kids in mind and safety at the top of its checklist.

About the Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products, please visit http://www.upperdeck.com or http://www.upperdeckstore.com.