Poultry You Can Trust with Alpha-Gal

Peace Valley turkeys on pasture in the sunlight.

What Is Alpha-Gal?

Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate (sugar) present on many cells of non-primate mammals. When someone has alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), their immune system makes IgE antibodies against this sugar. Eating meat from mammals or products derived from mammals can in turn trigger an allergic reaction.

How do people get alpha-gal syndrome?

Most cases of alpha-gal syndrome present following a tick bite, especially from the lone star tick in the U.S. The tick’s saliva can trigger sensitization so that later exposure to mammalian meat causes a reaction.

What does a reaction look like?

Allergic reactions are often delayed 2-6 hours or more after eating meat from a mammal. Symptoms vary, but can include hives, GI distress, swelling, breathing problems, or even anaphylaxis.

How can you test for alpha-gal?

  • Providers look at timing of symptoms, dietary patterns, and history of tick bites.

  • If there is a correlation, your provider can order a blood test for alpha-gal IgE. (The main diagnostic tool is a blood test for IgE antibodies specific to alpha-gal.)

  • It’s important to note that skin-prick tests are less reliable than a blood test. Standard meat skin tests often miss alpha-gal allergy since it is a carbohydrate, not a protein.

Why Peace Valley Poultry Works for Folks With Alpha-Gal

Because chicken and turkey are birds and not mammals, they naturally contain no alpha-gal. For people with AGS, poultry is typically a safe protein choice. (That being said, hidden mammalian ingredients like broth, gelatin, or sausage casings can sneak into processed poultry products, so label-checking is always wise.)

This is where Peace Valley Poultry stands out from the crowd. Many alpha-gal folks love buying directly from us because:

  • There’s no chance of cross-contamination. We do all of our own processing at our on-farm processing plant. Our poultry never comes into contact with mammalian meats or by-products.

  • Pasture-raised quality: Our birds spend the majority of their lives outdoors on pasture, eating seeds, plants, and bugs, and a non-GMO feed diet.

  • Transparency & trust: When you purchase from us, you know exactly how your food was raised and processed, something that provides peace of mind for families managing alpha-gal.

Our products:

  • Pasture-Raised Chicken: Available Spring through Fall each year, providing a steady supply of fresh poultry for your table. 👉 Order here.

  • Pasture-Raised Turkey: Offered seasonally in November only. Quantities are limited, so customers who want turkey throughout the year should stock up while it’s available. 👉 Order here.

Our Best Shopping & Safety Tips for Alpha-Gal Consumers

  1. Choose trustworthy sources. Buying direct from small farms (like Peace Valley Poultry!) who process their own birds can remove the worry of hidden mammalian ingredients.

  2. Keep your kitchen safe. If your household also cooks meat from mammals, use separate cutting boards, utensils, and/or grills to prevent chances of cross contact.

  3. Ask all the questions when dining out. Restaurants sometimes use beef- or pork-based broths or flavorings, so it’s important to ask questions for clarification.

  4. Carry epinephrine if prescribed. Anyone with a history of severe reactions should always be prepared in case of an accidental exposure.

For people with alpha-gal syndrome, poultry is one of the safest protein options. Here at Peace Valley Poultry, our pasture-raised chicken and turkeys are raised and processed without risk of cross-contamination, giving you confidence at the table.

Our Sources:

Amelia Protiva

Amelia is a birth business coach, certified birth and postpartum doula, and website designer helping birth workers build beautiful wildly profitable birth brands and beautiful spaces online.

http://ameliaprotiva.com
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