Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after reports confirmed the first documented death tied to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious allergic reaction triggered by a tick bite that causes a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and products containing alpha-gal.

"This tragedy that happened right here in New Jersey is heartbreaking, and it shows exactly why Congress needs to take alpha-gal seriously," said Congressman Van Drew. "One bite from a lone star tick can make a person violently allergic to red meat and other products that contain alpha-gal. People can go into anaphylaxis from foods they have eaten their whole lives, and most have no idea what triggered it. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans have already developed AGS, and cases continue to rise rapidly as tick populations expand. We cannot wait for another tragedy before we act. We need research, we need awareness, and we need clear labeling so people know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. My bill, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act, would designate alpha-gal as a major food allergen so Americans can clearly identify products that pose a risk. It is a simple, commonsense step that will save lives, and Congress should move on it immediately."

Click here to read more about H.R. 9382, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.