Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
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Summary
Federal bill to add alpha-gal to the definition of 'major food allergen' under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, requiring labeling of alpha-gal in food products.
Full Description
H.R. 1178, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, was introduced on February 10, 2025 by Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-2) with 43 bipartisan cosponsors. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) to the list of major food allergens, which would require food manufacturers to label products containing alpha-gal. Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition triggered by tick bites that causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has had committee meetings in 2025 and 2026.
Key Provisions
Adds alpha-gal to the FDA's list of major food allergens; requires food manufacturers to declare alpha-gal on product labels; brings alpha-gal under the same labeling requirements as the current top 9 allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame).
Who This Bill Serves & Who's Backing It
Core Patient Populations
People with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
Advocacy Groups Backing This Legislation
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Legislative Timeline
Votes & Legislative History
Advocate Connect
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"I joined this coalition because alpha-gal is an overlooked condition. This legislation would bring it the attention and labeling protections it deserves."
"As a physician, I see how alpha-gal syndrome confuses patients and clinicians alike. Labeling mammalian-derived ingredients would dramatically reduce preventable reactions."
"I support the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act because tick-induced allergies are a growing public health issue, and consumers deserve to know what's in their food and medicine."
"My husband lives with alpha-gal syndrome and avoids dozens of hidden mammalian ingredients. Clear labeling is essential for our family's safety and peace of mind."
"Many people don't realize alpha-gal reactions can be triggered by medications and gelatin capsules, not just food. This bill would label mammalian-derived ingredients across product categories."
"Alpha-gal is misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. Including mammalian-derived ingredients on labels would prevent the severe, frightening reactions my family has endured."
"I contracted alpha-gal syndrome from a lone star tick bite and now react to mammalian meat and products derived from mammals. This bill would require labeling of mammalian-derived ingredients so people like me can identify safe products."
Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act
Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act
Adds alpha-gal to the federal list of major food allergens, requiring clear and specific labeling on all U.S. packaged food products to help Americans with AGS identify products that could trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.
STOP TICKS Act
STOP TICKS Act (Strengthening Tick-borne disease Opposition and Prevention Through Investment in Collaboration, Knowledge, and Surveillance Act)
Reauthorizes and expands the federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group (TBDWG) and increases CDC grant funding for states and researchers combating vector-borne diseases including alpha-gal syndrome.
Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act
The Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act (H.R. 10228) would amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require food allergy identification and response training for staff in federal child nutrition programs, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and summer meal programs. Introduced by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) on September 2, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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