Fast Facts: Products That May Contain Alpha-gal

At a glance

  • A person with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is more likely to have an allergic reaction after exposure to meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb, compared to other products that contain alpha-gal, like dairy.
  • Some non-food products also contain alpha-gal.
A charcuterie board filled with cheeses and meats for appetizers.

Foods that may contain alpha-gal

AGS can be severe or life-threatening.

When to seek emergency care

Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems.

The following foods or food ingredients may contain alpha-gal. However, this is not a list of all products or ingredients that may contain alpha-gal. Additionally, people with AGS might not react to every product containing alpha-gal, and some people can experience different symptoms or reactions each time they are exposed to alpha-gal, even when it is the same product.

Work with your healthcare provider

Patients with AGS should work with their healthcare providers to manage symptoms, including making decisions about individual risk and benefit from specific vaccines and medications.

Meat

Alpha-gal may be found in:

  • Beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, or other meat from mammals
  • Mammal organ meat, such as liver, kidneys, intestines, or sweetbreads
  • Rocky mountain or prairie oysters

A person with alpha-gal syndrome is more likely to have an allergic reaction after exposure to meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb, compared to other products that contain alpha-gal, like dairy.

Milk and milk products

Food products that contain milk and milk products may also contain alpha-gal. However, many patients with AGS can tolerate milk products.

Cow's milk is the only alpha-gal containing ingredient classified as a major food allergen. Under the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, food labels must clearly identify the food source names of any ingredients that are one of the major food allergens or that contain protein derived from a major food allergen. Allergens may be identified in the ingredient list or a separate "Contains" statement.

Animal products

Some people with AGS may also be sensitive to alpha-gal found in:

  • Gelatin made from beef or pork
  • Products made or cooked with mammal fat, like lard, tallow, or suet
  • Meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy

Foods that don't contain alpha-gal

  • Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck, or quail
  • Fish and seafood, such as shrimp
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables

Non-food products containing alpha-gal

Some medications and vaccines may contain alpha-gal-containing additives, stabilizers, or coatings. However, not all patients with AGS react to these ingredients.

Ingredients that may contain alpha-gal include, but are not limited to:

  • Gelatin
  • Glycerin
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Bovine extract

Lists of additives to specific vaccines (called vaccine excipients) are available through CDC's Pink Book [PDF – 4 pages] and the Institute for Vaccine Safety.

Animal-derived medical products, such as heart valves from pigs or cows, monoclonal antibodies, heparin, and certain antivenoms may contain alpha-gal.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)