By Linda Geist
March 30, 2026
For some people, an invitation to dine out brings anxiety instead of anticipation.
The rising number of Missourians diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome is changing how individuals and families eat and socialize, Karen Funkenbusch, health and safety state specialist with University of Missouri Extension, said. Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
A 2025 MU Extension survey of more than 1,000 respondents found that dining and social situations greatly impact the mental health of people with alpha-gal syndrome. Nearly two-thirds reported anxiety or depressive disorders, nearly half said the condition affected daily life, and 63% said they avoid eating out or attending social events because of fear of food contamination.
“Social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety are often hidden side effects of food allergies like alpha-gal,” Funkenbusch said. “The fear of accidental exposure and misunderstandings from others can greatly affect quality of life.”
The challenges are often greater in rural areas, where social gatherings frequently center around food and restaurant options are limited.
“Some rural communities may have only one fast food restaurant and little variety,” Funkenbusch said. “Also, many social activities in rural communities center around sporting events where concession stand foods are the only choice.”
Dining out requires advance planning. Funkenbusch recommends calling restaurants ahead of time to discuss allergies and kitchen practices.
“It’s not just what’s on the menu,” she said. “Cross-contamination can occur when food is prepared on shared surfaces or with utensils that have contacted meat, dairy or other mammal-derived products.”
When eating away from home, she advises choosing simple foods with few ingredients or bringing prepared meals.
“Think ‘fins and feathers’ and whole foods,” Eden Stewart, who leads MU Extension’s interdisciplinary alpha-gal syndrome team, said.
Grilled chicken or fish, steamed vegetables and salads are usually safer choices. Stewart cautions that dressings, desserts and processed foods may contain hidden mammal-derived ingredients such as gelatin or dairy.
MU Extension recently released a series of guides on understanding and managing alpha-gal syndrome. The publications are available for free download.
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