This legislation proposes to amend Section 201(qq) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by adding galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose , or alpha-gal , to the definition of a "major food allergen." This change would require food manufacturers to clearly label products containing alpha-gal, similar to other recognized allergens, to enhance consumer safety. The bill specifically defines alpha-gal to include ingredients derived from non-catarrhine primate mammals and red algae in the order Gigartinales . However, it explicitly excludes mammal-derived ingredients that the Secretary determines contain no detectable alpha-gal above an established limit, such as those from alpha-gal-knockout mammals. The amendments made by this Act are set to take effect 18 months after the date of its enactment.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Allergies
Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
USA119th CongressHR-1178| House
| Updated: 2/10/2025
This legislation proposes to amend Section 201(qq) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by adding galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose , or alpha-gal , to the definition of a "major food allergen." This change would require food manufacturers to clearly label products containing alpha-gal, similar to other recognized allergens, to enhance consumer safety. The bill specifically defines alpha-gal to include ingredients derived from non-catarrhine primate mammals and red algae in the order Gigartinales . However, it explicitly excludes mammal-derived ingredients that the Secretary determines contain no detectable alpha-gal above an established limit, such as those from alpha-gal-knockout mammals. The amendments made by this Act are set to take effect 18 months after the date of its enactment.