Senator Thompson Announces Interim Study on Limiting Food Dyes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following up on legislation from earlier this year, Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today announced she has filed for an interim study to further the conversation and research potentially harmful food dyes.

“Families deserve to know what’s in their food, and more importantly, what’s in their children’s food,” Thompson said. “This is about making informed choices and improving the health and wellbeing of Oklahoma families. With industry already beginning to make changes, we have a tremendous opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive. Through this study I intend to show why and how Oklahoma can become a model state for others as we try to improve health outcomes.”

Details and speakers of Senator Thompson’s study will be announced at a later time. 

The study will be reviewed and potentially assigned to an appropriate committee by July 3. The interim study was introduced after Senator Thompson’s Senate Bill 4 landed short of the governor’s desk earlier this year.

Recent movement by major food manufacturers to voluntarily remove artificial dyes from their products has added momentum to the conversation. The focus of the interim study will allow lawmakers to take a closer look at the research and evaluate policy options that prioritize health outcomes.

All Senate interim study requests must be submitted by June 27. Requests will be approved and assigned to committees by July 3 and must be completed by October 31. 

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