A mother and daughter diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome say the tick-borne allergy has reshaped what they can eat and use, according to Spectrum News 1.
Erin March and Alexis Cottrell started a business making products for people with the condition, which can trigger life-threatening reactions to red meat and other animal products.
March said they must scrutinize medicines as well as food and often avoid social activities over fear of exposure.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald is pursuing a statewide database to track diagnoses and raise awareness.
March supports a bill in Congress that would classify alpha-gal as a major food allergen, a step she hopes would improve labeling.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.