Subway is a popular fast food franchise known for its submarine sandwiches. Many Muslims who eat at Subway often wonder – is Subway’s tuna halal?
What is Halal?
In Islam, halal refers to foods that are permissible to eat under Islamic dietary guidelines. For meat to be halal, the animal must be slaughtered according to zabiha, meaning it must be slaughtered by a Muslim who invokes Allah’s name before killing it. Fish are generally considered halal as long as they have scales.
Halal food guidelines also prohibit certain non-halal ingredients like pork, alcohol, and blood. Foods must be prepared in a clean environment and not come into contact with anything haram.
What is in Subway Tuna?
Subway’s tuna contains the following main ingredients:
- Tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Sweetcorn
- Carrot
- Onions
The tuna itself is usually a mix of chunk light and skipjack tuna. Subway claims the tuna is “100% wild-caught”.
Tuna – Halal
Tuna fish is generally considered halal, as it has scales. For the tuna itself to be halal, it must be caught and processed by Muslims according to halal guidelines.
Mayonnaise – Halal
Mayonnaise is made from vegetable oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice. All of these ingredients are halal, so mayonnaise is generally considered halal.
Vegetables – Halal
Sweetcorn, carrots, and onions are all halal vegetables.
Are Additives & Preservatives Halal?
The tuna also contains various additives and preservatives such as:
- Phosphates
- Disodium inosinate
- Disodium guanylate
- Natural flavors
Phosphates and some natural flavors may contain animal derivatives, which would make them haram. Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are generally considered halal, but some scholars advise avoiding them.
Overall, the halal status of these minor ingredients is questionable. Subway does not provide enough information about their exact sources and production methods.
Is Subway’s Tuna Handling Process Halal?
For the tuna to be considered truly halal, all aspects of handling and preparation should follow Islamic guidelines:
- Tuna must be caught and slaughtered by Muslims
- Processing facility must be halal certified
- All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between halal and haram foods
- No cross-contamination from haram ingredients
Subway has not confirmed if their supply chain follows these protocols.
Is Subway Tuna Halal? The Verdict
Given the uncertainty around the minor ingredients and handling process, Muslims should exercise caution when consuming Subway’s tuna.
While the core ingredients (tuna, mayonnaise, vegetables) seem to be halal, the additives may not be. It is best to avoid ambiguous or questionable foods when alternatives are available.
If you do choose to eat Subway tuna, be sure to request no questionable additives like phosphates. And stick to the halal menu items to minimize risk of cross-contamination.
Overall, when in doubt, always opt for the safest option for your faith. Consult your local imam or halal authority if you need guidance specific to your community and beliefs.
