Hays Advocates for New Bill to Banish Toxic Food Dyes: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Rep. Neils Hays from Muskogee has voiced strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new initiative called “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA). This plan aims to tackle artificial food additives and environmental toxins that may affect health, especially in children.

Hays believes that these synthetic dyes add no real value to food and could be linked to behavioral issues. He’s passionate about ensuring that parents can trust the safety of what their kids eat. His legislation, House Bill 1264, aims to ban certain artificial food dyes like Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, which are often found in products aimed at children.

According to a recent report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these dyes are suspected of contributing to hyperactivity in kids. Studies show that many parents are concerned about what’s in their children’s food, with 67% reported wanting clearer labeling on food packages. This concern highlights the need for initiatives like MOHA.

Hays stated, "The MOHA initiative lays the groundwork for lasting change." He is eager to continue pushing for healthier food options in the next legislative session.

Under the MOHA initiative, the Oklahoma State Department of Health will assess the safety of these artificial colors. The governor’s plan draws support from prominent figures like President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

While House Bill 1264 didn’t get a vote this session, it remains on the table for consideration next year. Hays encourages concerned citizens to reach out to lawmakers and advocate for change.

In a world where increasingly processed foods dominate, discussions around food safety and health are more critical than ever. Parents and health professionals alike are pushing for transparency and healthier choices, making this a topic worth watching.

For more insights on the effects of food additives, you can read the full report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Source link