A lobster-printed dish given by Subway as a promotional item (Food Ministry)
A lobster-printed dish given by Subway as a promotional item (Food Ministry)

Sandwich chain Subway’s Korean unit has recalled all ceramic dishes distributed as promotional gifts for its newly launched lobster sandwich after government tests found cadmium levels far above safety limits.

The company issued a public apology on its website Saturday and said it will release guidance shortly on how customers can return the dishes.

The items were handed out to buyers of its new lobster sandwiches between Nov. 18 and 24. Distribution has since been halted.

Customers had earlier complained that the lobster images on the dishes faded when exposed to moisture or oil.

Subway has been offering 8,000 won ($5.40) coupons as compensation and said it will continue to accept applications while an investigation by both the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the company is ongoing.

Regulators found that the 160,000 imported ceramic dishes, manufactured in China, contained 4.2 to 5.3 micrograms of cadmium per square centimeter, well above Korea’s safety limit of 0.7 microgram.

Authorities also said the Korean importer, SRG, submitted photos of a different, previously approved product during the import process, apparently to avoid inspection.

The ministry said it would refer the case to police and pursue administrative penalties.

Subway Korea, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based franchise acquired by Roark Capital in 2023, began operating in Seoul in 1991 and was incorporated locally in 2005. The chain now runs 656 restaurants nationwide.


forestjs@heraldcorp.com