Local News

Vineyard Gazette: Chefs Consider Ways to Make Menus Alpha-Gal Friendly

A recent article in The Vineyard Gazette highlights how Martha’s Vineyard chefs and public health experts are adapting restaurant practices to accommodate the growing number of residents affected by alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to mammalian products. The discussion focused on preventing cross-contamination in kitchens, developing alpha-gal-friendly menu options, and increasing awareness among food service workers. Chefs shared strategies such as replacing butter and beef-based ingredients with alternatives like olive oil, mushrooms, chicken stock, and fish sauce, while health officials emphasized tick bite prevention as the best defense against the condition.

Read the article Here.