Walt Disney Co. said Monday that it will begin independently testing toys featuring its characters after three high-profile recalls over the past two months by Mattel Inc.

The Burbank-based entertainment giant said its new program calls for random tests of products that are already on store shelves among other actions. Disney executives signed off on the plan last Thursday, the company said.

Such testing is normally done by the toy maker. Therefore, Disney’s action represents a change in approach.

The tests will begin within the next two weeks, Disney said. One of Mattel’s recalls involved 430,000 cars based on “Sarge,” a character in the hit Disney movie “Cars,” which were said to contain lead paint.