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Local Law Firms Home > Product Liability News > Subway Removal of Ingredient Creates Stir Subway Removal of Ingredient Creates Stir Subway came to the realization that its customers are not fond of consuming a chemical, azodicarbonamide, that is not only in the bread served at Subway, but also happens to also be found in yoga mats. After a popular blogger’s posts regarding the chemical triggered numerous discussions on the internet, Subway has decided that they will remove the ingredient from their food altogether. Prior to the public’s awareness to the chemical being present in the restaurant’s bread, it was used in sourdough and Italian breads. Subway has since contacted news outlet CNBC claiming that they are currently removing the ingredient from all of their products, even though it is an FDA approved ingredient. With the changes set in motion, that the removal will soon be complete. The removal of this chemical has since stirred up other fast food chains into whether or not they should continue using the ingredient in their food products. Despite the chemical being approved for use in the United States, many countries in Europe and Australia have placed a permanent ban when using it as a food ingredient. The blogger who raised awareness on the chemical, has since claimed that her website located at FoodBabe.com has seen a two-fold increase in traffic, and has caused the Subway petition to gather over 75,000 signatures. According to recent studies, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Jack in the Box and Chic-fil-A, all actively use this chemical. The ingredient is most commonly found in the restaurants’ bread. After Subway’s public announcement, a McDonald’s senior spokeswoman confirmed that the chemical in question is still commonly used in the baked goods food industry, including various bread items on their menu. Dunkin’ Donuts has also said in an email to CNBC that even items on their menu have the chemical, and claims that it is completely safe for human consumption. After FoodBabes.com’s petition, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has since started bringing it to the USDA’s attention in order for them to consider permanently banning the chemical for use in the food industry. It is also noted that when the chemical is baked, a product urethane is produced, and is a carcinogen. If the amount of urethane is to be determined to be hazardous, a ban on the chemical could prove to be a major setback for the fast food chains. Such actions could lead to massive recalls and potential lawsuits if the chemical was to be found harmful. Contact one of our Product Liability Attorneys for advice if you believe you’ve become after ingesting a harmful chemical fed to you by a restaurant.
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