Subway Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Misleading Meat Claims in Ads

New York, New York, October 30, 2024: Subway, the popular sandwich chain, is under scrutiny for allegedly misleading customers with its advertisements, particularly concerning the amount of meat promised in its Steak & Cheese sandwiches. A proposed class action lawsuit filed on Monday in Brooklyn accuses the chain of making deceptive claims that lead consumers to believe they are getting significantly more meat than what is actually served.

The lead plaintiff, Anna Tollison, claims that she paid $7.61 for a Subway Steak & Cheese sandwich, only to be disappointed by the meager portion of beef she received. According to Tollison, Subway's advertising suggests that customers are receiving at least 200% more meat than they actually do. The lawsuit includes photographic evidence, showing that the sandwiches primarily consist of bread, with the meat appearing scant in comparison to what is depicted in promotional materials.

The allegations put forth in the lawsuit assert that Subway has violated New York’s consumer protection laws, which are designed to ensure that advertising is truthful and not misleading. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for New Yorkers who have purchased the Steak & Cheese sandwiches from Subway over the past three years.

Tollison’s attorney, Anthony Russo, expressed his concerns in an interview with Reuters, stating that this case exemplifies a significant issue in food advertising. "This represents an egregious example of the type of advertising we’re trying to stop,” he noted, highlighting the broader implications of deceptive marketing practices in the fast-food industry.

This isn't the first time Subway has faced legal challenges over its advertising practices. The chain previously dealt with a lawsuit claiming its "footlong" sandwiches were, in fact, shorter than advertised, which was ultimately dismissed in 2017.

Interestingly, Tollison's legal team is not alone in pursuing such claims against fast-food giants. The same law firm has filed similar lawsuits against other major chains, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell, all of which were dismissed last year in the same court.

As the case unfolds, it raises important questions about transparency and fairness in advertising within the fast-food sector, highlighting the potential for customers to feel misled by their purchases. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how food chains represent their products in advertisements and the legal ramifications of deceptive marketing.