US Man Couldn't Feel His Lips After Eating Subway Topped With White Powder

Opting for a 6-inch sub over other readily available fast-food options appears to be a healthier choice. The flexibility to customise your own sub with healthier menu options and the advantage of a reasonably sized meal make it an appealing option for those conscious of their dietary choices. However, in a bizarre incident at a Subway outlet in the American city of Reno, a customer reported feeling uneasy after consuming a sub that he alleged had a strange white powder sprinkled on it. The incident unfolded in mid-December, prompting the concerned consumer to contact health authorities in the region.

As reported by the Reno Gazette Journal, referencing details from the Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), the Subway customer alleged that he experienced numbness in his lips following the consumption of the sandwich. The unidentified individual expressed concerns about the mysterious white powder, prompting health authorities to investigate the matter.

Health inspectors promptly visited the Subway outlet on South McCarran in response to the complaint. The customer insisted that the white powder on his sandwich was the cause of his discomfort. However, management argued that it was simply parmesan cheese, a common ingredient in many Subway sandwiches.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the restaurant had recently received a new shipment of the “parmesan oregano bread topping mix.” The person in charge informed inspectors that this particular batch seemed to contain a higher proportion of parmesan powder than usual. They assured inspectors that the restaurant planned to return the batch due to the unusual cheese-to-seasoning ratio.

Inspectors, during their thorough examination of the Subway outlet, found no construction issues or paint chipping near the food preparation area that could have compromised the product’s safety. This ruled out potential health hazards that might have entered the food.

NNPH mentioned in its report that it could not verify the customer’s complaint at the time of the inspection. The Subway outlet, on the other hand, declined to comment on the matter.

Subway’s topping, comprising enriched wheat flour, toasted bread crumbs, garlic, spices, and Parmesan, serves as a key ingredient in the preparation of both the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread and the Parmesan Oregano Bread at Subway. Additionally, the Herbs and Cheese Bread variant incorporates Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese into its composition.