Thompson's food safety bill advances to OK Senate floor

Senator Kristen Thompson’s Food Safety Bill Advances in Senate

SB 4 Prohibits Harmful Food Additives Linked to Health Risks

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 3rd) – The Oklahoma Senate Committee on Agriculture and Wildlife has passed Senate Bill 4, legislation by Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, aimed at protecting public health by banning certain harmful food additives.

Senate Bill 4 prohibits the manufacturing, sale and distribution of 21 substances commonly found in processed foods that have been linked to health risks, including hyperactivity in children, hormonal disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects.

“Research has shown that some of these additives—banned in other countries—are associated with increased risks of cancer, behavioral issues in children and endocrine disruption,” Sen. Thompson said. “Under the new administration in Washington, DC, the federal government is looking at similar measures and this is a moment for Oklahoma to step up, be ahead of the curve and ensure the safety of our food supply. I applaud the members of the agriculture committee who voted in favor of this measure and look forward to further conversations surrounding this legislation moving forward.”

The prohibited substances include:

• Aspartame;
• Azodicarbonamide (ADA);
• Blue dye 1;
• Blue dye 2;
• Brominated vegetable oil (BVO);
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA);
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT);
• Ethylene dichloride;
• Green dye 3;
• Methylene chloride;
• Potassium bromate;
• Propyl gallate;
• Propylparaben;
• Red dye 3;
• Red dye 40;
• Sodium benzoate;
• Sodium nitrate;
• Titanium dioxide;
• Trichloroethylene;
• Yellow dye 5;
• Yellow dye 6.

According to the Environmental Working Group, Red Dye 3 has been linked to cancer in laboratory studies, leading the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics while still allowing it in food. Additionally, studies suggest that artificial food dyes can contribute to hyperactivity in children, with the American Academy of Pediatrics advocating for stronger regulations.

Senate Bill 4 aligns with a growing national movement to enhance food safety standards. States and other countries have started banning certain harmful additives, including brominated vegetable oil and Red Dye 3. 

This measure also directs the State Board of Agriculture to establish enforcement rules to ensure compliance with the new safety standards.

Senate Bill 4 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

See also: State Sen. Thompson files bill banning certain food dyes, additives (Dec. 9th, 2024)