Subway is facing widespread criticism after someone posted a photo on the company's Facebook page on Tuesday of what was claimed to be a foot-long sandwich that measured showing it was just 11 inches.

The Facebook post was made by Matt Corby, a customer in Australia, which started an investigation by The New York Post that revealed four out of seven foot-long sandwiches that were measured were under the advertised length.

An email statement from Subway, which is based in Milford, Conn., said that the length of its sandwiches may vary slightly when its bread, which is baked at each Subway location, is not made to the chain's exact specifications.

"We are reinforcing our policies and procedures in an effort to ensure our offerings are always consistent no matter which Subway restaurant you visit," according to a statement reported by The Associated Press.

Customers around the world started posting their own pictures of the shortened sandwiches on the company's Facebook page along with their outrage.

Marketing experts have weighed in on the Subway foot-long scandal, saying that, while such a claim would perhaps have languished in obscurity not too long ago, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have amplified the individual reach of disgruntled customers.

"People look for the gap between what companies say and what they give, and when they find the gap - be it a mile or an inch - they can now raise a flag and say, 'Hey look at this,' I caught you," said Allen Adamson, managing director of branding firm Landor Associates in New York, according to Fox News.

The foot-long sandwich has been a staple of Subway restaurants since the establishment opened its doors in 1965.

In 2008, the chain introduced the extremely successful $5 foot-long promotion and has kept the deal on the menu with monthly selected sandwiches.

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