Independent Labs Discredit Canadian Story on Subway® Chicken

TORONTO, March 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Two independent laboratories testing Subway^® chicken have found that alleged test results broadcast on Feb. 24 by the Canadian television show, Marketplace, were false and misleading.

Test results from laboratories in Canada and the U.S. clearly show that the Canadian chicken products tested had only trace amounts of soy, contradicting the accusations made during the broadcast of CBC Marketplace.

Subway representatives immediately contacted the program and the lab that conducted the tests to inquire about the methodology and the testing process. The program and the lab declined to engage with Subway except to share the results. In response, Subway sent samples of the Canadian products that Marketplace claimed contained 50 per cent soy protein to Maxxam Analytics in Canada and Elisa Technologies, Inc in Florida.

The results from both labs found soy protein below 10 ppm, or less than 1 per cent, in all tested samples. These findings are consistent with the low levels of soy protein that we add with the spices and marinade to help keep the products moist and flavourful.

"The stunningly flawed test by Marketplace is a tremendous disservice to our customers. The safety, quality and integrity of our food is the foundation of our business. That's why we took extra caution to test and retest the chicken. Our customers can have confidence in our food. The allegation that our chicken is only 50 per cent chicken is 100 per cent wrong," said Subway President and CEO Suzanne Greco.

Dave Theno, Subway's Chief of Food Safety & Quality, said, "Our chicken is 100 per cent white meat with seasonings, marinated, cooked and delivered to our restaurants. The chicken has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Through years of testing, we've never seen results like the program claimed." 

Subway has shared the results of the independent tests with Marketplace and the lab that conducted the flawed test. The company is demanding a retraction and apology.

For more information visit: http://www.subway.com/en-ca/menunutrition/nutrition/realchicken 

SOURCE SUBWAY RESTAURANTS

Deborah Boyce, Veritas Communications, [email protected]