A New York woman is suing Subway over claims that its advertisements are “grossly misleading.”
Anna Tollison, who recently purchased a $6.99 Steak & Cheese sandwich, alleges that what she received resembled little to the advertised images featured on Subway’s app.
Tollison filed her complaint in a U.S. District Court in New York, claiming that the sandwich she received disappointingly lacked the generous portions of steak and cheese depicted in Subway’s promotional images.
“There was barely any steak in the sandwich,” the lawsuit reads.
Tollison’s complaint continues to allege that “Subway uses photographs in its advertisements that make it appear that the Steak & Cheese sandwich contains at least 200% more meat than the actual sandwiches that customers receive.” Alongside her complaint is a picture of the advertisement versus the sandwich received, with a notable difference.
According to Tollison’s lawsuit, Subway’s advertising practices not only mislead consumers but also have a considerable impact on consumers, particularly in an economic climate where food prices are soaring, and many people are feeling the financial pinch.
Her suit further seeks unspecified damages for anyone who purchased a Steak & Cheese sandwich from Subway in New York over the past three years.
This isn’t the first accusation Subway has faced regarding advertisement expectations.
In 2013, two New Jersey men sued the chain over its “footlong” sandwiches, alleging they were shorter than advertised. Their lawyer, Stephen DeNittis, tested 17 sandwiches and found each was under a foot long. Subway responded, stating sandwich lengths can vary due to differences in franchise practices, reported AOL.
Yet in 2017, Subway settled the lawsuit by agreeing to measure its foot-long and six-inch sandwiches and to keep a measuring tool in each restaurant for at least four years.
The chain also legally committed to monthly inspections to verify sandwich lengths, with potential termination for employees who violated the new standards.