U.S. health agencies announced that the food industry will begin "phasing out" eight artificial food dyes in the coming years.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated that the agency has several actions planned to phase out the use of synthetic dyes in the future. It will work with companies to voluntarily eliminate six commonly used dyes by the end of next year: FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Blue No. 2.

Health officials say the initiative will help fast-track the review of safer alternatives. They say the first two dyes out of eight are slated to be eliminated by the end of July.