SB5498: Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act

What the bill says

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal to the definition of major food allergen .

From the introduced text, September 24, 2026:

A BILL To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal to the definition of major food allergen . SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act . SECTION 2. Adding alpha-gal to definition of major food allergen (a) In general Section 201(qq) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321(qq) ) is amended by adding at the end the and (ii) red algae in the order Gigartinales. (C) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose does not include mammal-derived ingredients for which the Secretary determines there is no galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose above an established, detectable limit (such as ingredients made from alpha-gal-knockout mammals). . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply beginning on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Warner, Mark (D) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. September 24, 2026: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
2. September 24, 2026: Introduced in Senate

Common questions

What is SB5498?

SB5498 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.

What does SB5498 do?

In its own words: To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal to the definition of major food allergen .

What is the status of SB5498?

In committee as of September 24, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (September 24, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5498?

Warner, Mark (D).

Where is the official record for SB5498?

On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5498