“Fast food” first turned up in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 1951. The definition: “of relating to or specializing in food that can be prepared and served quickly.” Once cars became a part of families, the idea of adding a drive-thru furthered the appeal of on-the-go meals. In the past 60 years, the concept and popularity of fast food has skyrocketed.
Recently, it appears that fast-food restaurants are trying to get healthier. Taco Bell announced their new American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified menu that provides 35 AVA certified ingredients, 26 of which are vegan. Customers can now create their own dish to meet any dietary specification that they choose.
Subway works to combat negative attention with the plan to serve antibiotic-free meat!
One more fast food restaurant is trying to make the list of fast food restaurants that are providing healthy options. Subway is working to combat the negative attention associated with their former spokesman. Subway entered the fast food industry marketing their products as a weight loss aid.
Unfortunately, Subway’s sandwiches are no different than any other processed fast food item. Subway is hoping to make changes that allow their chain to appeal more to health conscious consumers. On October 20, 2015, Subway promised that their meat suppliers will gradually transition to antibiotic-free meat.
Subway is hoping that their announcement will trump McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A due to their decision to change all meat, not just chicken!
Both McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, promised to serve antibiotic-free poultry, but Subway is taking it a step further and has stated that their beef and pork will also go antibiotic-free. They want consumers to know that this transition will take time….how long? They are hoping to transition to antibiotic free beef and pork by 2025! The transition to antibiotic-free chicken will take place by the end of 2016.
Unfortunately, the plan to provide antibiotic free beef and pork will not be fully executed until 2025!
Large scale poultry operations have ended antibiotic use, making it easier to buy antibiotic-free chicken in large supply. Most large scale beef and pork operations still use antibiotics, making antibiotic-free pork and beef more difficult to get.
Is a plan that can’t be fully executed for 10 more years good enough for Subway to match the healthy image they created years ago? Personally, I think Subway is going to have to do better than this if they hope to reach health conscious consumers.
Changes that Subway could explore between now and 2025 are numerous and some, quite simple. The chain could transition to organic vegetables! They also could provide a separate vegetable case that appeals to vegans and vegetarians, where they can create their own organic salad. They could explore organic wraps or even provide organic lettuce or collard green wraps. Improving the ingredient profile in their breads could also be beneficial.
The good news is that the demands of health conscious consumers are being heard. Fast food restaurants are feeling the pressure to provide better options. The fast food industry could undergo many more changes as consumers continue to choose healthier options!
