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 [1].

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 [2]," 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 [3], Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell [4].