Subway, the world's biggest sandwich chain, said it was in the process of removing a chemical called azodicarbonamide from its bread, the Associated Press reported.
Subway's announcement came a day after popular food blogger, Vani Hari, started a petition on her website foodbabe.com asking Subway to stop using the chemical in their bread.
Stop using dangerous asthma causing chemicals in your bread @Subway! #NoWaySubway Join petition: http://t.co/rVobDH8UZN via @thefoodbabe
In her petition, Hari said the chemical Subway used in their bread was the same chemical used to make yoga mats, shoe soles, and other rubber-based objects.
She also stated that the chemical which Subway used to produce its bread faster and cheaper, was banned all over the world as it was linked to asthma, allergies, respiratory problems, and in some cases, cancer.
Within 24 hours, the online petition received 50,000 signatures.
People flooded Subway's Facebook page with comments asking them to stop using the chemical in their bread.
Several people on Twitter criticized Subway and shared the petition using the hashtag #NoWaySubway.
I'm not fond of eating plastic yoga mats @Subway! #NoWaySubway Join petition: http://t.co/z3vtSG3qNj via @thefoodbabe
Say no to azodicarbonamide (used to make yoga mats) in your sandwiches! http://t.co/jX2QqmNQtO #FoodBabeArmy #NoWaySubway
My son used to say @Subway was "the best restaurant in the world;" looking for another until they stop using azodicarbonamide. #NoWaySubway
Why do we accept being poisoned? Sign petition if you want change. #NoWaySubway #KillingUs http://t.co/1PfSfeTvfx
Dude @SUBWAY, what the heck with azodicarbonamide??? That's why some sandwiches have that yoga mat taste. @thefoodbabe #NoWaySubway
A Subway representative told the Associated Press that the change to remove the chemical was underway before the petition was launched, but did not give details on when it would be complete.
Subway is known for projecting a healthy image and using only the freshest ingredients.
Last week, Michelle Obama ate lunch and gave a press conference at a Subway outlet in Washington D.C., to announce Subway's three-year commitment in support of her health initiative.
First Lady Michelle Obama orders a Subway announcing Partnership for a Healthier America