Bill > HR1178

This bill seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by adding alpha-gal (scientifically known as galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) to the definition of "major food allergen". Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in the meat of mammals and some other sources, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, typically after being bitten by certain ticks. The bill specifically includes ingredients derived from non-catarrhine (non-Old World) primate mammals and red algae in the Gigartinales order as part of the alpha-gal definition. However, the bill also provides an exception for mammal-derived ingredients where the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that no detectable level of alpha-gal is present, such as ingredients from alpha-gal-knockout mammals. The amendment would take effect 18 months after the bill's enactment, giving food manufacturers and regulators time to adapt to the new labeling requirements. This change aims to improve food labeling transparency and help individuals with alpha-gal allergies more easily identify potentially problematic food products.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1178/all-info