Bill banning dyes, additives from foods moves forward at Capitol
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A bill to ban manufacturers from using certain dyes and additives in foods passed through the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee on Monday at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Senate Bill 4 was authored by Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond. She said she has heard from hundreds of Oklahoma families who have supported the legislation, which she called 'common sense.'
'This is our first swing at this and it's a big one,' said Thompson. 'We are giving Oklahomans the freedom to know what they're actually putting in their bodies. We're not taking away food. We're taking away chemicals. We're taking away things that have no nutritional value.'
The ban would include 21 chemicals such as aspartame, Red dye 3 and 40, Blue dye 1 and 2, and sodium nitrate. Thompson said they were all products that have been linked to behavioral problems in children and certain illnesses.
'A lot of Americans don't know what they are or that they exist,' said Thompson.
The legislation would also ban those same chemicals from being used in medications by 2028. It would require manufacturers add warning labels to foods with additives until the ban kicks in.
Lawmakers discuss bill that would condense tax brackets for Oklahomans
Companies that do not comply would face a $5,000 fine.
The Department of Agriculture would oversee the law and send money collected in fines to the local 'Food for Schools' program.
Some lawmakers questioned how the bill would work and if it would translate into more government regulations.
'Why wouldn't we be asking the feds to address these additives?' asked Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.
Thompson responded by saying that if every state in the nation were doing something similar, then the FDA would be forced to act.
'I still don't like the bill,' said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. 'I know (Thompson) is wanting to do good things. I just feel that it is government overreach.'
Lawmakers approved an amendment to 'strike the title' of the bill which meant it would move forward with expected changes. It passed committee by a 10-1 vote and will now advance to the full Senate floor.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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