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Subway: Sorry 'Footlong' Came Up Short

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Subway is apologizing that its "Footlong'' sandwiches fell short of expectations.

The fast-food chain faced widespread criticism last week after a man posted a photo online showing a "Footlong'' next to a tape measure that showed it to be just 11 inches.

That initial post has since spawned dozens of other pictures of rulers next to the famous sandwiches.

Subway said Friday that it's redoubling efforts to "ensure consistency and correct length'' in all its sandwiches.

The company had already noted last week that bread length could vary when franchisees don't bake to its exact specifications and that it would reinforce policies to ensure consistency.

In a statement Friday, Subway expressed "regret'' for "any instance where we did not fully deliver on our promise to our customers."

Earlier this week, two New Jersey men filed a lawsuit over the subs.

John Farley of Evesham and Charles Noah Pendrack of Ocean City are seeking compensatory damages from the company and a change in practices.

Their lawyer, Stephen DeNittis, said the company should either ensure their sandwiches are 12 inches long or stop advertising them as "Footlongs."

"The case is about holding companies to deliver what they've promised," he said.

DeNittis said he's measured sandwiches from 17 area shops and every one came up short.

"The sandwiches are about an inch shorter than they should be," he said. "It's about 45 cents per sandwich that people are being short-changed."

He said he is also seeking class-action status and is preparing to file a similar suit in Pennsylvania state court.

Subway declined to comment on lawsuit.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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