Subway is improving their recipe.
According to the Associated Press, the popular sandwich chain announced that they are in the process of removing a chemical, which is used to help create yoga mats and shoe soles, from its bread.
The announcement comes after a food blogger launched an online petition asking the sandwich chain to discontinue using the ingredient, called azodicarbonamide. It's typically used as a bleaching agent within the bread. The chemical is also used as a dough conditioner.
Subway announced that the removal of the chemical is not a response to the petition. Instead, it's an effort to improve its bread recipes. A representative for the chain said the chemical removal process started before the petition even launched.
However, Subway said details were not immediately available on when the removal started or when it would be completed.
"The complete conversion to have this product out of the bread will be done soon," Subway said in a statement. "[The company] was already in the process of removing azodicarbonamide as part of our bread improvement efforts."
Vani Hari, the activist blogger who runs FoodBabe.com, started the petition which has already received more than 60,000 signatures. The AP reported that Hari is responsible for the removal of yellow dyes in three Kraft Foods, Mac & Cheese products for children. Hari also targeted Chick-fil-A for the chemicals used in their products.
The activate blogger has reportedly been researching Subway's bread ingredients since 2012 and said she was shocked to find azodicarbonamide, a plastic-based additive on the bread's food label.
Hari told her followers that no one should consume a product if they are unable to spell or pronounce the ingredients. The petition noted that Subway in Europe, Australia and several other parts of the world does not use azodicarbonamide in its bread.
"I commend Subway for finally responding to me and now over 57,000 concerned citizens," Hari said. "Their swift action is a testament to what power petitions and individuals who sign them can have. I'd like to note that current Subway sandwiches still have this ingredient, and urge everyone not to eat their sandwich bread until they have finally removed the chemical."
The petition added: "If Subway changes their Bread[s], we know this could inspire other food companies across the US to finally eliminate this dangerous chemical once and for all."
The sandwich chain recently received praise from First Lady Michelle Obama for providing a healthier children's menu. Subway also pledged to join the first lady's Partnership for a Healthier America.
