Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
This bill, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, proposes to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Specifically, it would add alpha-gal, or galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, to the list of what are defined as "major food allergens." This addition would include ingredients derived from certain primate mammals and red algae, but would exclude mammal-derived ingredients if the Secretary of Health determines they have no detectable alpha-gal.
The bill affects consumers who have or may develop allergies to alpha-gal, as well as food manufacturers. By designating alpha-gal as a major food allergen, food products containing it would be subject to labeling requirements. The change would take effect 18 months after the bill becomes law.
This legislation was introduced in the Senate on September 24, 2026, by Senator Mark Warner. It has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet been acted upon by the committee.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act
This 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.)
Timeline
24 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does S. 5498 do?
- This bill, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, proposes to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Specifically, it would add alpha-gal, or galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, to the list of what are defined as "major food allergens." This addition would include ingredients derived from certain primate mammals and red algae, but would exclude mammal-derived ingredients if the Secretary of Health determines they have no detectable alpha-gal. The bill affects consumers who have or may develop allergies to alpha-gal, as well as food manufacturers. By designating alpha-gal as a major food allergen, food products containing it would be subject to labeling requirements. The change would take effect 18 months after the bill becomes law. This legislation was introduced in the Senate on September 24, 2026, by Senator Mark Warner. It has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet been acted upon by the committee.
- Has S. 5498 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5498. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5498?
- S. 5498 was sponsored by Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA] (D-VA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5498?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (24 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Health
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Access to Medical Supplies Act
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
More bills from Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Ensuring Accurate Payments to Specialty Pharmacies Act
Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026
Health CARE Act of 2026
STOP TICKS Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.