Maya Ellison
In recent years, Subway has faced scrutiny for using a chemical called azodicarbonamide (ADA) in its bread recipe, which is also utilised in plastic and rubber production. ADA improves texture, extends shelf life, and enhances fluffiness in bread. However, concerns have been raised about its potential health and environmental risks. Subway has since removed ADA from its bread, but critics argue that they should do more to meet the expectations of health-conscious consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical used in plastic and Subway bread | Azodicarbonamide (ADA) |
| Other uses of the chemical | Increasing the elasticity of items like shoe soles and yoga mats |
| Health concerns | ADA breaks down into two known carcinogens: urethane and semicarbazide |
| Environmental concerns | Impact on the ecosystem |
| Action by Subway | Removed ADA from bread and replaced it with natural yeast extract |
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What You'll Learn
- Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a chemical used in plastic and rubber production
- ADA is linked to potential health risks, breaking down into carcinogens
- Blogger Vani Hari, aka Food Babe, campaigned for Subway to remove ADA
- Subway removed ADA, but still uses artificial additives and preservatives
- Other fast-food chains have also removed ADA from their products
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a chemical used in plastic and rubber production
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a chemical added to bread to improve texture, increase shelf life, and add fluffiness. It is also commonly used in the production of plastics and rubber items, such as increasing the elasticity of items like shoe soles and yoga mats.
Subway once included ADA in its bread recipe, but faced controversy and decided to remove it in response to a petition by blogger Vani Hari, also known as "Food Babe". Critics argue that Subway's decision was motivated more by public pressure than a genuine commitment to using natural ingredients, as the company still uses artificial additives and preservatives.
The concerns surrounding the use of ADA in bread are related to health and environmental risks. When ingested, ADA can break down into two known carcinogens: urethane and semicarbazide. While the amounts in Subway's bread were reportedly small, experts argue that the long-term effects of consuming ADA-containing bread are unknown. ADA has been banned in several countries, including the European Union, Australia, and Singapore, due to potential health risks.
From an environmental perspective, the use of ADA in bread production raises concerns about its impact on the ecosystem. Consumers are increasingly demanding that food manufacturers prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency in their product formulations.
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ADA is linked to potential health risks, breaking down into carcinogens
Subway, one of the world's most popular fast-food chains, has long been associated with fresh, healthy, and tasty sandwiches. However, in recent years, the company has faced scrutiny for the use of a chemical called azodicarbonamide (ADA) in its bread. ADA, also known as E927, is a compound commonly added to various breads to improve texture, extend shelf life, and increase fluffiness.
The controversy surrounding ADA stems from its potential health risks. When ingested, ADA can break down into two known carcinogens: urethane and semicarbazide. While the amounts of these substances in Subway's bread were reportedly minimal, the long-term effects of consuming ADA-containing bread are uncertain. Some experts argue that the cumulative impact of consuming ADA over an extended period could pose risks to human health. As a result, several countries, including the European Union, Australia, and Singapore, have banned ADA due to health concerns.
In response to public pressure, Subway has removed ADA from its bread, opting for a natural yeast extract instead. However, critics argue that this decision was driven more by public perception than a genuine commitment to natural ingredients, as Subway still employs a range of artificial additives and preservatives in its bread.
The controversy highlights the power of consumers to influence the food industry. By staying informed, making conscious choices, and advocating for change, consumers can shape a food system that prioritizes health, sustainability, and transparency. It remains to be seen whether Subway's removal of ADA is a genuine step toward healthier products or a response to momentary public pressure.
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Blogger Vani Hari, aka Food Babe, campaigned for Subway to remove ADA
Blogger Vani Hari, also known as Food Babe, is an American author, activist, and affiliate marketer who criticises the food industry. Hari started the Food Babe blog in 2011, and it received over 54 million views in 2014. Hari has been named one of the "Most Influential People on the Internet" by Time Magazine and is a New York Times best-selling author.
Hari has been particularly critical of Subway, campaigning for the company to remove azodicarbonamide (ADA) from its bread. ADA is a chemical used in the production of plastics, rubber items, yoga mats, and shoe soles. In February 2014, Hari launched a petition on her website asking Subway to remove ADA from its sandwich bread, arguing that it was a potentially harmful chemical that could affect people looking to "eat fresh". The petition garnered over 50,000 signatures in 24 hours, and Subway subsequently announced its plan to remove ADA from all of its sandwich breads.
Hari has also campaigned for Subway to commit to buying meat produced without the routine use of antibiotics. In August 2015, she worked with several organisations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Center for Food Safety, to pressure Subway into providing a timeline for transitioning to antibiotic-free meat. In October 2015, Subway announced that it would transition to chicken and turkey raised without antibiotics, with beef and pork to follow by 2025.
Hari's campaigns against Subway have sparked debate, with some criticising her for fear-mongering and promoting pseudoscience. However, she has also been credited for bringing attention to important food safety issues and influencing major food companies to adopt more healthful policies.
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Subway removed ADA, but still uses artificial additives and preservatives
Subway, a popular fast-food chain, has been at the centre of a controversy regarding the use of a chemical compound called azodicarbonamide (ADA) in its bread. ADA, also known as E927, is commonly added to bread to improve texture, extend shelf life, and increase fluffiness. However, it is also used in the production of plastics, rubber items, shoe soles, and yoga mats. Due to its presence in these products, ADA has been deemed a potential health and environmental hazard.
In response to a petition organised by blogger Vani Hari, also known as "Food Babe", Subway announced in 2019 that it would be removing ADA from its bread. This decision came after concerns were raised about the potential health risks associated with consuming ADA. When ingested, ADA can break down into two known carcinogens: urethane and semicarbazide. While Subway insisted that the compound was safe and commonly used in bread, the company nonetheless removed it and replaced it with a natural yeast extract.
However, critics argue that Subway's decision to remove ADA was primarily driven by public pressure rather than a genuine commitment to using natural ingredients. Despite eliminating ADA, Subway still uses artificial additives and preservatives in its bread, including sodium diacetate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. These additives have also been linked to potential health risks and environmental concerns.
While Subway has taken steps to address consumer worries, there are ongoing calls for the company to reformulate its products entirely to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The controversy surrounding Subway's bread highlights the increasing scrutiny of the food industry and the power of consumers to drive change in food production practices. As consumers become more informed and conscious of their dietary choices, companies like Subway will need to further adapt to remain competitive in a market that prioritises health, sustainability, and transparency.
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Other fast-food chains have also removed ADA from their products
Subway previously used azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used in the production of plastics and rubber, in its bread recipe. ADA is an industrial additive that acts as a "chemical foaming agent" and a "dough conditioner", making large batches of dough easier to handle and resulting in a puffier final product. It is also used to soften the texture of baked goods and improve their texture, lengthen their shelf life, and add fluffiness.
Following a petition by Vani Hari, the creator of FoodBabe.com, Subway decided to remove ADA from its baked goods. Other fast-food chains have also removed ADA from their products due to concerns about its potential health risks and in response to market pressure. ADA has been found in the breads of several fast-food chains, including Starbucks, Wendy's, McDonald's, Arby's, Burger King, and Dunkin' Donuts. Like Subway, these companies have faced criticism and have taken steps to remove ADA from their products.
For example, Nature's Own removed ADA from its bakery products in 2013 and began updating its packaging to reflect this change. Similarly, in 2014, Subway announced that it would be removing ADA from its sandwich bread and baked goods. While these are positive steps, concerns remain about the widespread use of ADA in supermarket items and fast food.
To empower consumers and promote healthier shopping choices, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have developed databases to provide information about the ingredients in packaged foods, including the presence of ADA. The EWG recommends that consumers take steps to avoid ADA in their food, such as buying local, emphasizing organic options (as ADA is not permitted in USDA organic-certified foods), and consulting ingredient labels.
The federal government has been urged to ban or restrict harmful substances like ADA, but progress has been slow. In the absence of comprehensive regulation, consumers are left to navigate the complex landscape of food chemicals and their potential health risks on their own.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Subway has removed ADA (azodicarbonamide) from its bread and now uses a natural yeast extract.
ADA, or azodicarbonamide (E927), is a chemical compound that improves texture, lengthens shelf life, and adds fluffiness to bread. Its other uses include increasing the elasticity of items such as shoe soles and yoga mats.
Subway removed ADA from its bread due to pressure from blogger Vani Hari, also known as "Food Babe," who started a petition to eliminate the chemical.
While Subway bread is now ADA-free, the company still uses artificial additives and preservatives, including sodium diacetate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate.
