Subway, the world‘s largest fast-food chain, has long been a popular destination for those seeking a quick, affordable, and relatively healthy meal. Among its many offerings, the tuna sandwich has been a staple for years. However, recent allegations have cast doubt on the authenticity of Subway‘s tuna, leading many to question what kind of tuna the company uses and whether it is indeed real. In this article, we‘ll explore the truth behind Subway‘s tuna, from its sourcing and quality control to the recent controversy and the company‘s response.
The Tuna Subway Sources: Skipjack from the Western Pacific
According to Subway, the tuna used in its sandwiches is 100% wild-caught skipjack tuna, sourced primarily from the waters off the coasts of Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Skipjack tuna, also known as Katsuwonus pelamis, is a species of tuna found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is a small to medium-sized tuna species, typically growing to a length of 60-80 cm and weighing 8-10 kg.
Skipjack tuna is known for its fast growth rate, reaching sexual maturity at around one year of age. This rapid growth and high reproductive capacity make skipjack tuna more resilient to fishing pressure compared to other tuna species, such as bluefin or bigeye. As a result, skipjack tuna populations are considered healthy, and the species is classified as a sustainable choice by many environmental organizations, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
Subway‘s tuna is caught using purse seine fishing, a method that involves encircling a school of fish with a large net. Purse seine fishing is considered more eco-friendly than other techniques, such as longline fishing, which can result in higher levels of bycatch (unintended species caught alongside the target fish). However, the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) in purse seine fishing has raised concerns about the method‘s overall sustainability, as FADs can attract a wide range of marine life, leading to increased bycatch.
A Brief History of Subway‘s Tuna Sourcing
Subway first introduced tuna sandwiches to its menu in the early 1980s, as the company expanded beyond its original submarine sandwich offerings. At the time, tuna was sourced from various suppliers around the world, with little emphasis on sustainability or traceability.
However, as consumer awareness of environmental issues grew in the 1990s and 2000s, Subway began to focus more on the sustainability of its seafood sourcing. In 2008, the company partnered with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure that its seafood products, including tuna, were sourced from sustainably managed fisheries.
In recent years, Subway has further strengthened its commitment to sustainable tuna sourcing by working with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) and its long-standing suppliers, Rema Foods and Jana Brands, to improve traceability and minimize the environmental impact of its tuna fishing practices.
Subway‘s Tuna Suppliers: A Closer Look at Rema Foods and Jana Brands
Rema Foods and Jana Brands, Subway‘s primary tuna suppliers in the United States, have been partnering with the company for decades. Both suppliers have grown alongside Subway, developing robust sourcing networks and state-of-the-art processing facilities to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality, sustainably-caught tuna.
Rema Foods, based in Lynnwood, Washington, was founded in 1957 and has been supplying tuna to Subway since the 1980s. The company operates a 70,000-square-foot processing facility, where tuna is cooked, cleaned, and packaged for distribution to Subway restaurants across the country. Rema Foods is committed to sustainable fishing practices and works closely with the ISSF to promote responsible tuna sourcing.
Jana Brands, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, has been a Subway supplier since the 1990s. The company specializes in sourcing and processing tuna and other seafood products for the foodservice industry. Jana Brands operates multiple processing facilities across the United States and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability in its tuna sourcing.
Both Rema Foods and Jana Brands have stood by Subway during the recent tuna controversy, issuing statements reaffirming the authenticity and quality of the tuna they supply. Their long-standing relationships with Subway and commitment to sustainable sourcing practices have been key factors in the company‘s ability to weather the storm and maintain customer trust.
The Environmental Impact of Purse Seine Fishing
While purse seine fishing is generally considered more sustainable than other tuna fishing methods, it is not without its environmental concerns. One of the main issues associated with purse seine fishing is the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), which are floating objects that attract tuna and other marine life, making them easier to catch.
FADs can be highly effective at increasing catch rates, but they also have the potential to lead to higher levels of bycatch, as they attract a wide range of species beyond the target tuna. According to a study published in the journal Fisheries Research, FAD-associated purse seine fishing can result in bycatch rates of up to 10%, compared to less than 1% for purse seine fishing without FADs.
To mitigate the environmental impact of FAD use, many tuna fishing companies and sustainability organizations have developed best practices for FAD management, such as using non-entangling materials, equipping FADs with satellite tracking devices, and setting limits on the number of FADs deployed. Subway has stated that it works with its suppliers to promote the use of sustainable FAD fishing practices and supports efforts to minimize bycatch in purse seine tuna fisheries.
The Role of Sustainability Organizations in Promoting Responsible Tuna Fishing
Organizations like the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tuna fishing practices and ensuring the long-term health of global tuna populations. These organizations work with fishing companies, seafood processors, retailers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement science-based standards for sustainable tuna management.
The ISSF, in particular, has been instrumental in advancing sustainable tuna fishing practices in the purse seine industry. The organization was founded in 2009 by a group of leading tuna processors, including Subway suppliers Rema Foods and Jana Brands, with the goal of improving the sustainability of global tuna fisheries. The ISSF works to promote responsible fishing practices, reduce bycatch, and support scientific research on tuna populations and ecosystems.
Subway has been an active supporter of the ISSF and its sustainability initiatives. The company has pledged to source 100% of its tuna from ISSF-participating companies and has worked with its suppliers to implement ISSF best practices for FAD management and bycatch reduction. By collaborating with organizations like the ISSF, Subway aims to ensure that its tuna sourcing practices are environmentally responsible and contribute to the long-term sustainability of global tuna fisheries.
The Nutritional Value of Subway‘s Tuna Sandwiches
In addition to its sustainability credentials, Subway‘s tuna sandwich is also a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking for a protein-rich, low-calorie meal option. According to Subway‘s nutrition information, a 6-inch tuna sandwich on 9-grain wheat bread contains 480 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 25 grams of fat (5 grams of saturated fat).
Compared to other fast-food tuna sandwiches, Subway‘s offering is relatively low in calories and saturated fat. For example, a McDonald‘s Filet-O-Fish sandwich contains 390 calories and 4 grams of saturated fat, while a Burger King Big Fish sandwich has 510 calories and 4.5 grams of saturated fat.
However, it is essential to note that the nutritional content of Subway‘s tuna sandwich can vary depending on the type of bread and additional toppings chosen. Adding cheese, extra mayonnaise, or high-calorie condiments can significantly increase the sandwich‘s calorie and fat content. As with any fast-food meal, it is important for consumers to be mindful of their choices and to consider the overall nutritional balance of their diet.
The Wider Implications of the Subway Tuna Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding Subway‘s tuna has brought to light the importance of transparency, traceability, and consumer trust in the fast-food industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their food choices, companies like Subway are under growing pressure to demonstrate the authenticity and sustainability of their ingredients.
The Subway tuna controversy has also highlighted the challenges of sourcing and verifying sustainable seafood products in a complex global supply chain. Even with robust testing and certification processes in place, questions can arise about the origins and composition of fast-food ingredients, undermining consumer confidence and brand reputation.
To address these challenges, fast-food companies must prioritize transparency and communication with their customers, providing clear and accurate information about their sourcing practices and the steps they are taking to ensure the quality and sustainability of their products. This may involve investing in more rigorous testing and verification processes, partnering with trusted sustainability organizations, and engaging in proactive consumer education and outreach.
Ultimately, the Subway tuna controversy serves as a reminder that fast-food companies operate in an increasingly scrutinized and competitive market, where consumer trust and brand integrity are essential for long-term success. By prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and quality in their tuna sourcing and other ingredients, companies like Subway can not only weather short-term challenges but also position themselves for long-term growth and success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Expert Perspectives on Subway‘s Tuna and Sustainable Seafood Sourcing
To gain additional insights into the issues surrounding Subway‘s tuna and sustainable seafood sourcing, we reached out to several experts in the fields of marine biology, sustainability, and the food industry.
Dr. John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director at Greenpeace USA, emphasized the importance of traceability and transparency in tuna sourcing:
"Tuna is a global commodity, and the supply chain can be incredibly complex. Companies like Subway have a responsibility to ensure that their tuna is not only authentic but also sourced from sustainable, well-managed fisheries. This requires robust traceability systems, third-party verification, and a commitment to transparency throughout the supply chain."
Dr. Darian McBain, Global Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Thai Union Group, a leading tuna processor, highlighted the role of sustainability organizations in promoting responsible tuna fishing practices:
"Organizations like the ISSF and MSC have been instrumental in driving progress toward sustainable tuna fisheries. By working with these organizations and implementing science-based best practices, companies can help ensure the long-term health of tuna populations while also meeting the growing demand for sustainable seafood products."
Finally, Dr. Steven Sax, Vice President of Food Safety and Sustainability at Subway, reaffirmed the company‘s commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable tuna:
"At Subway, we take the quality and sustainability of our tuna very seriously. We work closely with our suppliers and sustainability partners to ensure that our tuna is sourced from well-managed fisheries and processed in accordance with the highest standards of safety and authenticity. Despite the recent controversy, we remain confident in the integrity of our tuna and are committed to maintaining the trust and satisfaction of our customers."
Conclusion
The Subway tuna controversy has brought to light the complex issues surrounding tuna sourcing and sustainability in the fast-food industry. Despite recent allegations, the evidence suggests that Subway‘s tuna is indeed real, sustainably-sourced skipjack tuna, caught primarily using purse seine fishing methods in the Western Pacific.
Subway‘s long-standing partnerships with suppliers Rema Foods and Jana Brands, along with its commitment to working with sustainability organizations like the ISSF, have been key factors in the company‘s ability to source high-quality, eco-friendly tuna for its sandwiches. However, the controversy has also highlighted the ongoing challenges of ensuring transparency, traceability, and consumer trust in a complex global seafood supply chain.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their food choices, fast-food companies like Subway must prioritize sustainability, authenticity, and clear communication in their tuna sourcing and other ingredients. By investing in robust verification processes, partnering with trusted sustainability organizations, and engaging in proactive consumer education, companies can not only address short-term challenges but also position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ultimately, the Subway tuna controversy serves as a call to action for both fast-food companies and consumers alike. By working together to promote sustainable fishing practices, support science-based management, and prioritize transparency and traceability, we can help ensure the long-term health of our oceans and the continued availability of delicious, sustainable tuna for generations to come.
