Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
Food Labeling: Adding Alpha-gal to Major Allergen List
The Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill is considered active, but no further committee hearings or votes have been scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would add "alpha-gal" to the official list of major food allergens in the United States. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, such as cows, pigs, and sheep. People with this allergy can have serious or life-threatening reactions if they eat meat or products made from these animals.
- If this becomes law, food companies would be required to clearly list alpha-gal on their ingredient labels. This would help people with the allergy quickly identify safe foods and avoid products that contain hidden mammal-derived ingredients or certain types of red seaweed.
- The new labeling rules would take effect 18 months after the bill is signed into law. This delay gives food manufacturers time to test their products, update their packaging, and ensure they are following the new safety standards.
- The bill includes an exception for ingredients that have almost no alpha-gal. If the government determines a product is below a safe limit—such as meat from special animals bred not to have the sugar molecule—it would not need the special allergen label.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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