(a) The General Assembly finds:
(1) Alpha-gal allergies are a reaction to galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, when the body is overloaded with immunoglobulin E antibodies on contact with the galactose carbohydrate;
(2) Bites from the lone star tick, which transfer this carbohydrate to the victim, have been implicated in the development of this delayed allergic response which is triggered by the consumption of mammalian meat products;
(3) Alpha-gal allergies most often occur in the central and southern states such as Arkansas, where the lone star tick is more prevalent;
(4) A typical allergic reaction to Alpha-gal has a delayed onset, occurring four to eight (4-8) hours after the consumption of mammalian meat products, instead of the typical rapid onset with most food allergies;
(5) Since the reaction to eating mammal meat is delayed by several hours, the proper diagnosis is often missed or the patient is misdiagnosed;
(6) People who are affected by Alpha-gal have to be constantly vigilant about the ingredients they consume, because an allergic reaction can be severe and life-threatening; and
(7) As doctors are not required to report the number of patients suffering with Alpha-gal, the true number of affected individuals is unknown.
(b) The purpose of this subchapter is to:
(1) Promote awareness and encourage efforts to treat Alpha-gal in the state; and
(2) Ensure food safety for individuals with Alpha-gal allergies through better food labeling.
(c) This section shall expire on December 31, 2018.