Oklahoma Lawmakers to discuss food dye ban Monday in Senate Bill 4 hearing

Oklahoma lawmakers are pushing Senate Bill 4 to ban 10 food dyes, citing health concerns such as behavioral issues, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage, with the bill set to be heard in the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee on Monday.

Monday, March 3rd 2025, 9:26 am

By: Haley Weger

Oklahoma lawmakers are pushing to eliminate certain food dyes, citing concerns over their potential negative health effects, including behavioral issues, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage.

Senate Bill 4, authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, would prohibit the manufacturing, selling, brewing, or distribution of 10 different dyes and substances, including red, blue, and yellow dyes. Thompson, a mother of three, said she witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of food dyes on her own children. Now, she hopes to reduce their presence in Oklahomans’ diets.

“It’s everywhere. It’s not just in our food, it’s in processed meat products, it’s in beverages, it’s in medication,” Thompson said.

More Info: Proposed Senate Bill 4 seeks to ban unhealthy dyes in Oklahoma groceries

The bill was heard by the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee on Monday morning at 10 a.m.

Previous Coverage: At The Capitol: Push To Eliminate Harmful Dyes, Replace With Healthy Alternatives

Haley Weger

Haley Weger joined the News 9 team as a multi-media journalist in August 2022. She came to OKC from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Haley began her career as a producer and multi-media reporter and then transitioned to a morning anchor position. While she was in Louisiana, Haley covered an array of news topics, and covered multiple hurricanes on the coast.