Steve Metzer

Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY — A discussion about artificial dyes and other chemical ingredients commonly found in foods continued on Tuesday at the state Capitol.

An interim study by lawmakers also focused on the exceedingly high costs of diet-related chronic health conditions in Oklahoma.

The study was organized by Sen. Kristen Thompson, who authored Senate Bill 4 earlier this year, legislation that would have effectively banned numerous chemical additives from foods sold in grocery stores beginning in 2027. The bill made headway but didn’t advance to the desk of Gov. Kevin Stitt. Thompson said she planned to study issues surrounding food additives before pressing forward with the measure in the 2026 legislative session.

“They’re complicated.

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