Subway faces a new class-action lawsuit alleging that its advertising grossly misleads consumers about the amount of meat in their sandwiches. Anna Tollison, a Queens resident, claims that her Steak & Cheese sandwich contained 200% less meat than advertised. Filed on behalf of New York consumers, the lawsuit seeks damages for all affected New Yorkers who purchased these sandwiches in the past three years.
Tollison’s lawsuit accuses Subway of “unfair and financially damaging” advertising practices. The complaint highlights that Subway’s promotional photos, used on its app and in commercials, depict sandwiches packed with significantly more meat than customers actually receive. Social media posts from frustrated Subway patrons, showcasing their orders next to the heavily-stuffed advertised versions, have fueled the case. Tollison herself paid $7.61 for her sandwich, relying on the visual portrayal that suggested a larger portion of steak than what was delivered.
Subway has been in similar hot water before. In 2021, the company was sued over claims that its tuna sandwiches did not contain any real tuna. Tollison’s legal team from The Russo Firm, known for filing false advertising claims against major fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King, is building its case on New York consumer protection laws, which prohibit misleading ads.
As of now, Subway has not yet responded to these allegations. The case underscores growing consumer scrutiny over advertising practices in the fast-food industry.
Sources