Martha’s Vineyard restaurants adapt to rising alpha-gal syndrome cases

Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard are modifying their menus and kitchen protocols to protect diners from alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness that causes allergies to red meat and dairy. As of June 2026, the island has reported 416 positive tests, following 742 positive cases in 2025. This marks a significant increase from 2020, when only two cases were reported.

Transmitted by lone star tick bites, the syndrome can cause reactions to meat from hoofed animals, dairy, and even fumes from cooking these products. Some individuals may also react to carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener. Symptoms range from digestive discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

To mitigate risks, local establishments are implementing safety measures. Some chefs are washing cookware between uses to prevent cross-contamination, while others are labeling specific menu items as “alpha-gal friendly.”