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Subway Faces Lawsuit Over Allegedly Misleading Meat Content

Subway Faces Lawsuit Over Allegedly Misleading Meat Content

Subway is facing a lawsuit claiming its advertising is deceiving customers by showing sandwiches with much more meat in than they actually receive.

The lawsuit claims Subway’s ads exaggerate the meat portions in its popular Steak & Cheese sandwich.

Accusations of False Advertising

The lawsuit has been brought by Anna Tollison of Queens, New York. It accuses Subway of “grossly misleading” consumers with advertising that features sandwiches filled with layers of meat.

However, according to the complaint, the actual sandwiches contain far less meat. It says there is more bread than filling. It claims this leaves customers with a product that is not consistent with Subway’s marketing claims.

The complaint includes photographs allegedly showing the difference between the meat show in the ads and what customers receive.

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Tollison alleges she paid $7.61 for a Steak & Cheese sandwich, believing it would contain much more meat.

According to the complaint, the advertised sandwich appears to contain at least three times more meat than is actually served.

Impact on Lower-Income Consumers

The complaint also highlights the financial burden this alleged deception places on consumers,particularly during a time of rising inflation and high food prices.

It argues low-income customers, who may be struggling financially, are not receiving fair value for their money due to these misleading advertisements.

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The Legal Background

Tollison’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for New Yorkers who purchased the sandwiches over the last three years. The claims center on Subway’s alleged violations of New York state’s consumer protection laws.

The legal team behind the case, led by attorney Anthony Russo, argues that the misleading advertising is not just an isolated issue but part of a broader pattern of false claims within the fast-food industry.

In a statement, Russo described the case as “an egregious example of the type of advertising we’re trying to stop.”

He added that his firm is focused on holding companies accountable for presenting products in ways that mislead customers about what they are actually paying for.

Previous and Similar Lawsuits in the Fast-Food Industry

This is not the first time Subway has faced legal challenges over its product claims.

The chain previously spent over four years defending against a lawsuit alleging its “footlong” sandwiches were too short, a case that was ultimately dismissed in 2017.

Meanwhile, similar lawsuits brought by the same law firm against other fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell have faced setbacks.

Cases against these companies, which were also based on claims of exaggerated advertising, were dismissed by the same Brooklyn court last year.

However, a related lawsuit against Burger King remains pending in federal court in Miami.

A Broader Trend of False Advertising Claims?

This case against Subway arrives at a time when consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the value they receive for their money, particularly in the context of inflation and rising costs of living.

Many customers feel the pinch at the grocery store and restaurants. This makes the perception of receiving less than advertised all the more pressing.

Private equity firm Roark Capital, which purchased Subway in April, may face new challenges in navigating this lawsuit. The company has not yet commented on the legal filing.

However, Subway is likely to face heightened scrutiny over its advertising practices in light of this case.

Key Takeaway: A Call for Transparency in Advertising

Lawsuits are piling up across the fast-food industry for allegedly misleading advertisements, companies like Subway are under pressure to deliver on the promises made in their marketing.

This latest lawsuit highlights the growing demands for transparency from consumers. It shows consumers are increasingly unwilling to accept advertisements that do not align with the actual products received.

As the case against Subway progresses, it could set a precedent for how fast-food chains handle their promotional materials in the future.

For now, the focus remains on whether the court will view Subway’s advertisements as crossing the line into false advertising, potentially leading to compensation for affected customers and increased scrutiny of the industry as a whole.

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