Getting the Most Shelf Life from Subway Tuna Sandwiches

Subway tuna sandwiches pack a flavorful punch that submarine sandwich lovers crave. Whether grabbing a tuna sub for lunch or stocking up for later, you want to know how long that tuna will stay fresh.

As a perishable protein, Subway tuna has a limited shelf life. However, following proper storage methods and using good judgment can extend the life of your tasty tuna sub.

How Long Can Subway Tuna Sit at Room Temp?

Once prepared and assembled into a sub, Subway tuna sandwiches are best consumed right away. The raw tuna mixed with mayonnaise is prone to spoiling when left unrefrigerated.

In general, tuna salad should only be left at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours. After sitting out longer, it’s safest to discard the sub.

On hot days above 90°F, reduce the room temperature time to just 1 hour before throwing away the tuna sub. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Leaving tuna subs in this “danger zone” for too long allows hazardous growth.

Storing Subway Tuna Sandwiches Properly

To prevent waste and safely preserve tuna subs, follow these storage guidelines

• Keep tuna subs refrigerated if not eating immediately. Refrigeration maintains temperatures below 40°F to inhibit bacteria.

• When refrigerating, wrap the sub tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. This prevents dried out bread and contamination.

• Eat refrigerated tuna subs within 2-3 days for best quality. Discard if the tuna gives off a foul odor.

• For longer fridge storage, unwrap the sub and store the tuna salad and bread separately. Tuna keeps 5-7 days, while bread keeps 1-2 weeks.

• Freeze extra tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Do not freeze assembled sandwiches, as the bread will become soggy. Simply construct subs with the frozen tuna when ready to eat.

Following proper refrigeration and freezing allows you to safely store Subway tuna subs for later meals.

How to Tell If Subway Tuna Has Spoiled

Over time, Subway tuna salad will deteriorate in quality and become unsafe for consumption. Check tuna subs for these signs of spoilage before eating:

• Unpleasant sour or ammonia-like smell. Fresh tuna has a mild briny aroma.

• Change in color from pink to brown, grey, or green discoloration.

• Slimy texture instead of smooth and creamy.

• Mold growth – discard tuna immediately if mold is spotted.

• Discoloration or drying of the bread or crust.

Trust your senses when determining if tuna has spoiled. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out!

Enjoy Your Tuna Sub Safely

Subway tuna subs offer a satisfying dose of protein and flavor, especially when paired with crunchy veggies and tangy signature sauce. By properly handling and storing tuna sandwiches, you can safely enjoy every last bite even days later.

Keep these food safety tips in mind when purchasing your next Subway tuna sub:

• Consume fresh tuna subs ASAP, within 2 hours if possible.

• Refrigerate tuna sandwiches promptly if not eating right away.

• Wrap tightly or separate components for optimal fridge storage.

• Use frozen tuna within 3 months for best quality.

• Check for foul odors, slimy textures, and mold before eating leftovers.

• When uncertain if tuna is still good, err on the side of caution and throw it away.

With proper storage and handling, Subway tuna subs will stay deliciously fresh for multiple meals. But don’t let tempting tuna linger for too long unrefrigerated or forgotten in the fridge!

Follow these guidelines to get the most out of every Subway tuna sandwich purchase. You can feel confident enjoying safe, tasty tuna subs even on your busiest days.

How Long Does Subway Keep Prepared Tuna?

According to Subway employees, prepped tuna salad is discarded roughly 2 to 3 days after it’s put on the sandwich line.

If given tuna that is more than 2 days old, it could be up to 5 days old total, as the tuna is prepped about 3 days prior. This is past the recommended 3-4 day limit for consuming cooked tuna per food safety guidelines.

The timing may vary based on how busy a given Subway location is and how quickly they go through tuna salad. For optimal freshness, consume your tuna sub soon after purchasing.

By keeping storage times in mind, subway regulars can get the most from every tuna sandwich while avoiding foodborne illness risks. Follow these tips to keep Subway tuna subs fresh and delicious no matter how hectic your schedule.