Subway Is the Latest Fast-Food Chain to Announce Major Ingredient Changes

The latest fast-food chain to hear consumer cries for healthier options? Subway, which announced today that it will phase out all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives over the next 18 months.

The changes will affect Subway's soup, sandwich, and cookie offerings, and the chain has already introduced a new recipe for their roast beef, steak, and pastrami, which now contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. "We felt it was important to set an ambitious goal as a means to give us something to shoot for and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to wellness," said Elizabeth Stewart, Subway's director of corporate social responsibility.

Last year, Subway eliminated high-fructose corn syrup from its sandwiches and salads, and after much public outcry also announced that it was getting rid of azodicarbonamide, dubbed by many as the "yoga mat chemical," from its breads. Its announcement also comes on the heels of other commitments from big chains to eliminate artificial ingredients in their foods, including Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.