S. 5498: Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act

This bill would amend federal food allergy law to treat alpha-gal as a “major food allergen.” Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule, known scientifically as galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

What the bill changes

• It adds alpha-gal to the list of substances covered by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s definition of “major food allergen.”
• It defines alpha-gal to include:
  • ingredients derived from certain non-human primate mammals, and
  • red algae in the order Gigartinales.
• It excludes mammal-derived ingredients if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines they do not contain alpha-gal above a detectable limit, such as ingredients from genetically modified “alpha-gal-knockout” mammals.

What that would mean in practice

If enacted, foods and ingredients containing alpha-gal would likely become subject to the same federal allergen-related requirements that apply to other major allergens. In practical terms, this could affect how certain ingredients are identified, regulated, or labeled under food safety rules.

The bill does not itself spell out all labeling or enforcement details, but by adding alpha-gal to the legal definition of a major food allergen, it would give federal agencies a basis to treat it as a regulated allergen category.

When it would take effect

The change would start 18 months after the bill becomes law.

Relevant Companies

• MDLZ — Mondelez International, a large packaged-food company that could be affected if allergen labeling or ingredient sourcing changes are required for certain products.
• HSY — The Hershey Company, which may need to review ingredient sourcing and labeling for products that could contain affected ingredients.
• KO — Coca-Cola, which could face compliance changes if any beverages or ingredients fall within the new definition.
• PEP — PepsiCo, which could be affected through food and beverage labeling or formulation changes if applicable ingredients are used.
• CPB — Campbell Soup Company, which may need to assess ingredient disclosures and supply chains for covered ingredients.