Subway signs on to responsible tuna sourcing

By Brian Collett — Subway, regarded as the world’s largest fast food company, has joined the global organisation that promotes responsible tuna fishing. 

 

The chain, which has more than 44,000 outlets in 112 countries, including about 27,000 in the US and 2,000 in the UK and the Irish Republic, already uses only skipjack tuna in its seafood sandwiches. 

 

Skipjack is the least threatened of the 15 tuna species and Subway claims to obtain its supplies from fisheries with large healthy stocks.

 

Subway has been rebuilding its image since its advertising spokesman was jailed in 2015 for soliciting sex with minors and possessing child porn. The company promptly severed all ties with him.  

 

It has now improved its reputation further by becoming the 40th member of the International Pole & Line Foundation, an NGO with offices in London and the Maldives and a presence in Indonesia, South Africa and North America. 

 

Subway has announced it is “proud to serve only skipjack tuna” and says: “Our partnership with [the foundation] reiterates our commitment to responsible sourcing.” 

 

Elizabeth Stewart, Subway’s CSR director, said: “We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and creating a positive influence in the communities we work with.

 

“Joining the International Pole & Line Foundation helps to contribute to this cause by supporting our customer promise to supply high-quality food that is also environmentally and socially responsibly sourced, in this case tuna – one of the world’s favourite seafood products.

 

“We believe that using good, environmentally sound business practices helps increase our franchisees’ profitability, they improve our customers’ dining experiences and they also help protect the planet.” 

 

Martine Purves, the foundation’s managing director, said: “It is fantastic to have such a big player in the international market on board with our work.” 

 

Subway’s latest project is working with various organisations, including the Marine Stewardship Council, a non-profit body aimed at protecting seafood supplies, to establish effective ways for businesses to switch to using sustainable tuna.