What’s In A Subway Tuna Sandwich? Not Tuna DNA
Lab test finds no tuna DNA in the Subway tuna sandwich. In a DNA test commissioned by the New York Times, laboratory technicians say they’ve found no trace of actual tuna in Subway tuna sandwiches. 60 inches worth of tuna was tested to see if it had the DNA of one of 5 tuna species. There are however 15 species of fish that can be labeled as “tuna” per to the FDA Seafood List. According to Subway, their sandwiches are made from yellowfin and skipjack tuna, both of which the test should be detectable.
The samples tested came from three separate Los Angeles area Subway restaurants. “There’s two conclusions,” a lab spokesperson says. “One, it’s so heavily processed that whatever we could pull out, we couldn’t make an identification. Or … there’s just nothing there that’s tuna.” The results contradict an earlier test that found some tuna in Subway’s sandwiches. The latest results come six months after two California people filed a lawsuit against the sub sandwich chain, claiming their tuna sandwiches “are made from anything but tuna.” Subway officials have shot down the claim, saying their subs are made with “100 percent real wild-caught tuna.”
The statement issued by Subway reads:
Subway delivers 100% cooked tuna to its restaurants, which is mixed with mayonnaise and used in freshly made sandwiches, wraps and salads that are served to and enjoyed by our guests. The taste and quality of our tuna make it one of Subway’s most popular products and these baseless accusations threaten to damage our franchisees, small business owners who work tirelessly to uphold the high standards that Subway sets for all of its products, including its tuna,” the chain said. “Given the facts, the lawsuit constitutes a reckless and improper attack on Subway’s brand and goodwill, and on the livelihood of its California franchisees. Indeed, there is no basis in law or fact for the plaintiffs’ claims, which are frivolous and are being pursued without adequate investigation.”
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