Maya Ellison
Subway, one of the most successful fast-food chains in the US, has had its fair share of controversies. One such controversy involved the use of a chemical called azodicarbonamide (ADA) in its bread recipe, which is also used in the production of plastics and rubber items like yoga mats. ADA acts as a dough conditioner and is used to bleach bread and improve its durability and appearance. While Subway claimed that the chemical was safe for consumption, it was met with widespread public outrage, and the company eventually discontinued its use in 2014.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the chemical | Azodicarbonamide (ADA) |
| Other names | Yoga mat chemical, dough conditioner |
| Used in | Plastic, rubber items, and bread |
| Toxicity | Shown to be toxic in dogs and animals |
| Toxicity in humans | ADA byproducts might cause cancer in humans, but the FDA states that this is only at levels far higher than those found in bread and only in female mice |
| Banned in | European Union |
| Year Subway stopped using ADA | 2014 |
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What You'll Learn
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is used in plastic and was in Subway's bread
Subway, the popular US fast-food chain, has had its fair share of controversies over the years. One such controversy involved the revelation that their bread contained azodicarbonamide (ADA)—a chemical compound also used in the production of plastics, rubber items, and yoga mats. This chemical is used to give products elasticity and improve durability.
Azodicarbonamide, often referred to as the "yoga mat chemical," was included in Subway's bread recipe as a dough conditioner. Its presence in Subway's bread came to light in 2014, causing widespread public outrage. The chemical is said to create a byproduct when baked that may cause cancer in humans and has shown toxic effects in animals.
In response to the backlash, Subway removed azodicarbonamide from its bread. The company's reputation, however, had already taken a hit. This incident sparked a broader conversation about the use of this chemical in the food industry, with other fast-food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy's also phasing it out of their menus.
While the toxicity of azodicarbonamide has been a concern, it's important to note that the percent of the human diet this chemical made up was minuscule. The asthma risks associated with the chemical refer to inhaling it in an occupational setting rather than consuming it in bread. Nonetheless, the incident highlights the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the food industry, especially when it comes to potentially harmful chemical additives.
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ADA is banned in Europe
Subway's bread once contained azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used in the production of plastics, vinyl, and the soles of shoes. ADA is also used as a whitening agent in cereal flour and as a dough conditioner. Outside of its use in food products, ADA is the chemical that allows bubbles to form inside foams and plastics.
Up until 2014, Subway included ADA in its bread recipe. The chain has since removed the ingredient from its bread. Critics of ADA believe that two potentially risky chemicals form when the chemical is baked. One of those, semicarbazide, does not appear to pose a risk to humans, but the second breakdown product, urethane, is a recognized carcinogen. The amount of ADA in processed food is generally small (45 parts per million in dough), but it is enough to result in a European ban.
The European Union prohibits or severely restricts many food additives that are still used in American-made bread, cookies, soft drinks, and other processed foods. Europe also bars the use of several drugs given to farm animals in the United States. The EU has banned ADA because of its potential harmful effects on human health. Studies have shown that ADA is linked to kidney and thyroid cancers in rats.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider ADA dangerous. After multiple studies, the FDA has ruled that ADA is not harmful to humans. The FDA and World Health Organization recognize that most genetically modified crops (GMOs) are safe for consumption, but the European Union is still suspicious of foodstuffs containing chemicals, unnatural dyes, and meat treated with synthetic growth hormones.
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ADA has been linked to cancer in mice
In 2020, Subway faced controversy in Ireland over its bread. It was revealed that up until 2014, Subway's bread recipe included azodicarbonamide, a chemical used in yoga mats and the production of plastics and rubber items. While the chemical has shown toxicity in dogs, the amount present in the bread was so small that it posed no risk to humans.
ADA and Cancer in Mice
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an important protein in purine metabolism that acts as a catalyzer and plays a significant role in immune response. It includes two isoenzymes: ADA1 and ADA2. Changes in ADA activity have been detected in patients with various cancer types, and the enzyme has been studied for its potential role in cancer development and therapy.
Several studies have shown changes in ADA activities in the serum and tumor tissues of breast cancer patients. In mouse models, PEGylated ADA2 (PEGADA2) injections inhibited the growth of solid tumors and lung metastasis, indicating the potential value of ADA in cancer therapy. Additionally, ADA inhibitors have been reported to reduce the production of free radicals, which are a known side effect of many anti-tumor drugs.
The application of ADA inhibitors has been studied in mouse models of breast cancer, specifically the 4T1 murine breast cancer model. In these experiments, the specific ADA inhibitor 2'deoxycoformycin (dCF) suppressed tumor progression by acting on adenosine receptors. The treatment reduced tumor mass and necrosis and decreased tumor burden, shifting the tumor microenvironment toward anti-inflammatory immunity.
While the studies suggest a link between ADA and cancer in mice, further research is needed to fully understand the complex mechanisms involved and the potential therapeutic applications.
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Subway removed ADA from its bread in 2014
Subway removed azodicarbonamide (ADA) from its bread in 2014. ADA is a chemical compound that acts as a dough conditioner, improving the volume and texture of the finished loaf. While it is a common ingredient in bread-making, it is also used in the production of plastics, yoga mats, and rubber items.
The removal of ADA from Subway's bread came in response to a petition launched by food blogger Vani Hari, also known as Food Babe. The petition urged Subway to stop using azodicarbonamide in its bread due to concerns about its potential health risks. More than 67,000 people signed the petition.
Azodicarbonamide has been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma by the World Health Organization, based on evidence from people with symptoms and employees of facilities where the chemical is manufactured or used. One of the breakdown products of ADA, urethane, is a recognized carcinogen. Another breakdown product, semicarbazide, has been found to cause cancers of the lung and blood vessels in mice.
While Subway maintained that the ingredient was safe and approved by the FDA, they announced its removal from their bread recipe in February 2014. They stated that the process had already begun in 2013 and was nearly completed, with a new bread formula developed and tested. Subway's decision to remove ADA from its bread came amidst widespread public outrage and scrutiny of the ingredient.
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Other fast-food chains have also used ADA
Subway once used azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical found in plastics and yoga mats, in its bread recipe. ADA is an FDA-approved food additive that acts as a flour-bleaching agent and a dough conditioner, making the dough easier to handle and the final product puffier and more durable. While it is not known to be toxic to humans in approved concentrations, concerns have been raised about its potential health risks, especially for workers handling large volumes.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has recommended that consumers avoid ADA in their food and has called on manufacturers to stop using it. They found ADA in over 500 items and more than 130 brands, including many advertised as "healthy." The World Health Organization (WHO) linked ADA to respiratory issues and asthma in workers regularly exposed to it, and it is considered a respiratory sensitizer by the UK Health and Safety Executive.
The presence of ADA in food products has sparked discussions about inclusivity and accessibility in fast-food restaurants. Former President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990, aiming to increase inclusivity for people with disabilities. While this legislation primarily focuses on physical accessibility, such as accommodating wheelchairs, it has also influenced innovations in fast-food restaurants that benefit all customers, such as adjustable seating and less stimulating decor. Additionally, ADA compliance in restaurants has led to expanded employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but it used to contain azodicarbonamide, a chemical commonly found in plastics and rubber items.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a dough conditioner that gives bread elasticity and improves its durability and appearance.
According to the FDA, azodicarbonamide is not harmful to humans at the levels found in bread. However, other sources claim that it may be toxic and has been linked to cancer in mice.
No, Subway discontinued the use of azodicarbonamide in 2014 after widespread public outrage.
