Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act

This bill would expand the legal definition of a major food allergen to include galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, commonly referred to as alpha-gal. By adding this molecule to the list of major allergens, the bill would require food labels to identify its presence in products. Alpha-gal is found in red meat and other mammal-derived products, and it is associated with an allergic condition often triggered by certain tick bites.

This bill affects individuals with alpha-gal syndrome, a condition often caused by tick bites that results in an allergy to the alpha-gal molecule found in red meat and mammalian products. Food manufacturers and entities responsible for labeling food products are also affected, as they would be required to identify alpha-gal as a major food allergen on product labels.

• Expansion of major food allergen definition. The bill adds galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, commonly referred to as alpha-gal, to the statutory definition of a major food allergen.
• Food labeling requirements for alpha-gal. By classifying alpha-gal as a major food allergen, the bill requires food labels to identify the presence of this molecule in labeled food products.

The bill expands the existing legal definition of a major food allergen to include galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), thereby extending current food labeling requirements to products containing this molecule.

The bill aims to expand federal food labeling requirements by adding galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) to the definition of major food allergens. This change would require food labels to identify the presence of the alpha-gal molecule, which is found in products derived from mammals and can cause allergic reactions in individuals with alpha-gal syndrome.