Subway® Tuna Lawsuit Dismissed

We created this page in response to a meritless lawsuit that falsely questioned the quality of Subway’s tuna. That case was dismissed on July 27, 2023. The truth of the matter has always been that Subway’s tuna is high-quality, premium and 100% real.

Tuna Q&A

How does Subway ensure its tuna is 100% wild-caught tuna?

The processing and sale of tuna is highly regulated by governments around the world. We test our tuna regularly to ensure it meets Subway’s stringent quality and safety requirements, including compliance with FDA regulations. In addition, Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) and U.S. Federal law requires complete traceability of all tuna from the time it is caught through when it is processed into finished products.

What other quality control mechanisms are in place to ensure I’m getting 100% tuna?

In addition to the standard testing and food quality measures taken to ensure the premium quality of all Subway® food and ingredients, there are several certificates associated with the tuna in Subway’s U.S restaurants.

The Fisheries Certificate of Origin — a form provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, which lists the exporter and importer information for the tuna, the exact species of the tuna, and the method by which it was caught.
The Captain’s Statement includes the boat captain’s name and verification of the catch method and traceability information, including the Food and Agriculture Organization’s major fishing area identification number.
The Catch Certificate lists the name of the boat that caught the fish and the volume of each species harvested on that ship in metric tons. Subway’s tuna is also certified Dolphin Safe and Kosher.

What is the status of the lawsuit claiming Subway tuna isn’t real tuna?

On July 27, 2023, the lawsuit was formally dismissed. Subway serves 100% real, wild-caught tuna, and this reckless lawsuit has always lacked merit.

Who sources Subway® tuna?

In the U.S., Subway’s tuna importer is Rema Foods.

Founded in 1964, Rema Foods is a family-owned business and a leading global food supplier, focused on providing unique specialty and commodity-based products. The company has been a proud food supplier to Subway® Restaurants for more than 20 years.

Subway® Tuna Supply Chain

SUBWAY® TUNA IS REAL TUNA

Subway® sources 100% wild-caught tuna from leading global food suppliers that have a reputation for working diligently with food safety and quality experts to ensure consistent, high-quality products at every stage of the supply chain.

SOURCING

Subway’s North American importers – Jana Brands and Rema Food Group – source wild-caught skipjack tuna from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, the top tuna-sourcing markets globally.

SUPPLIERS’ FACILITIES

These suppliers are only allowed to accept whole frozen fish, which comes with a statement from each fishing boat captain affirming the species, catch method, traceability information and more. At the supplier facility, the tuna undergoes rigorous quality and safety control testing. The tuna is then thawed, washed, inspected and sorted based on quality. After washing and precooking, the tuna is then cut and double cleaned before being cooked and packaged for distribution to Subway® restaurants.

RESTAURANTS

Subway® franchisees receive their tuna sealed in pouches for continued quality control and food safety purposes.

MADE FRESH FOR YOU

Before adding to the sandwich line, Subway® Sandwich Artists ™ mix the tuna with mayonnaise. A fan-favorite, guests enjoy the 100% real tuna the way they like it – with their choice of veggies in a freshly made sandwich, wrap or salad.

Subway® Tuna Supply Chain Infographic (PDF 1.7 MB)