13 Popular Foods in Oklahoma Linked to Cancer

It seems the State of Oklahoma, the Federal Government, and Oklahomans of all political ideologies are actually sharing similar views on one common issue.

Artificial dyes in our food supply. 

Particularly, red dye #3.

It has been linked to cancer in more than a few exhaustive studies, so much so that the Food and Drug Administration chose to ban it earlier this year. But, like everything in government, the wheels turn slowly.

Food manufacturers have until January 15th, 2027, to comply with the rule. Until then, it's pretty much entirely up to the makers of when they remove it between now and then.

The biggest use for artificial dyes is, of course, candy.

Nobody wants to eat a dull candy. It has to sparkle with a vibrancy to tempt our eyes long before we opt to taste it.

While they almost all contain all sorts and types of artificial dyes, Red 3 is one of the most common.

It's also super-common in baked goods, like sweets, cupcakes, baked goods, nearly everything with pink-to-red icing.

Select flavors of dairy are also packed with the cancer-linked dye. My personal favorite gummies contain it. Bummer. Even one of Oklahoma's beloved beef jerky items is on the list.

While some retailers, such as Walmart and Kroger, are swiftly making a switch to Red Dye #40 in store-brand products, Red 3 will likely linger until the deadline in 2027.