Subway to drop artificial ingredients by 2017

Subway said it will remove artificial ingredients from its menu by 2017.
Subway/Facebook

Subway plans to remove all artificial ingredients from its menu in North America by 2017, The Associated Press confirmed.

The sandwich chain said it will remove all artificial flavors, colors and preservatives from its sandwiches, salads, cookies and soups. Earlier this year, Subway introduced a new artificial-free roast beef recipe that is made by roasting beef with increased levels of garlic and pepper.

Elizabeth Stewart, Subway's director of corporate social responsibility, said in an interview that ingredient improvement has been an ongoing process over the years. More recently, she said the chain has been working on removing caramel color from cold cuts like roast beef and ham. For its turkey, Subway says it plans to replace a preservative called proprionic acid with vinegar by the end of this year.

Stewart told AP that Subway is also working on its sauces and cookies.

A number of other food companies have been choosing to purge artificial ingredients from their menus as well. Taco Bell, McDonald's, Kraft and Nestle made similar announcements in recent months.