Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act

House Bill

H.R. 1178

119th Congress

Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Kathy Castor

Representative

Democratic

FL-14

Cosponsors

34

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill adds alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) to the list of major food allergens requiring labeling. Alpha-gal syndrome is caused by certain tick bites and creates an allergy to a sugar molecule found in red meat and mammal-derived products. Affected individuals can have severe allergic reactions to beef, pork, lamb, and other mammal products.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill adds alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) to the list of major food allergens requiring labeling. Alpha-gal syndrome is caused by certain tick bites and creates an allergy to a sugar molecule found in red meat and mammal-derived products. Affected individuals can have severe allergic reactions to beef, pork, lamb, and other mammal products.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion ActThis bill expands the definition of major food allergen to include galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (commonly known as alpha-gal). Under current law, food labels generally must identify each major food allergen found in labeled food products. (Certain tick bites cause an allergic condition known as alpha-gal syndrome that can result in an allergy to the alpha-gal molecule, which is found in red meat and other products made from mammals.)

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Adds alpha-gal to major food allergen list
Requires food label disclosure of alpha-gal
Addresses tick-bite induced meat allergy
Helps people with alpha-gal syndrome avoid triggers
Alpha-gal found in red meat and mammal products
Cases increasing as tick populations expand

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging health concern as tick populations expand into new areas. People with this allergy can have severe, even life-threatening reactions to red meat and other mammal products. Adding alpha-gal to major allergen labeling requirements would help affected individuals identify safe foods. Currently, alpha-gal content is not always clear on labels, making it difficult for those with the syndrome to safely navigate food choices. This is particularly important as cases continue to increase.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Allergies

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1178, 119th Congress (2025). "Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1178