Recently a teenager in Australia discovered that his Subway “Footlong” sandwich did not measure up to 12 inches; it was, rather, a mere 11. Which, on this side of the hemisphere, is the sort of discrepancy that forms the basis for both great Stephen Colbert bits and false advertising lawsuits. And Reuters reports that three lawsuits indeed were then filed in Illinois, New Jersey and Philadelphia against Subway, each claiming that the chain's “Footlong” sandwiches come up short.

As the lawyer for the Illinois plaintiffs tells Reuters, “This is no different than buying a dozen eggs and getting 11. You're buying a dozen inches and only getting 11.”

In response, Subway released a statement stating that it has “redoubled our efforts to ensure consistency and correct length in every sandwich we serve. Our commitment remains steadfast to ensure that every Subway Footlong sandwich is 12 inches at each location worldwide.” Subway didn't detail how, exactly, it will ensure that the sandwiches are a foot long, though maybe having employees ink rulers on their hands — just like some chefs — wouldn't be such a bad idea.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits are seeking compensatory damages and injunctive relief for the allegedly deceptive advertising.

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