Safely Celebrating Independence Day
For many Americans, the 4th of July is a day full of parades, fireworks, and… cookouts. For those of us with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the word “cookout” brings to mind images of no safe burgers to eat, alpha-gal-filled fumes rising into the air, and fear of cross-contamination with every bite. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Here are some recommendations for how to fully (and more importantly, safely) enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence.
Even though most burgers and hot dogs are made from pork or beef that contains alpha-gal, it is possible to find alpha-gal-free cookout foods. Amaroo Hills farms and sells emu, ostrich, and GalSafe pork, all of which are free of the alpha-gal carbohydrate. I have frequently eaten their products, and they are delicious! I cannot tell a difference taste-wise between normal burgers and emu burgers.
Some things to keep in mind:
Be sure to check your burger and hot dog buns for milk and carrageenan.
In order to avoid cross-contamination, either cook your burgers/hot dogs on a separate grill that has never been used to cook meat with alpha-gal or wrap them in foil to cook them on the same grill.
If you are fume-reactant, be sure to find a hangout area far enough away from the grill to avoid fumes.
If you will be at a friend’s house, contact them beforehand to ensure that there is enough room to be away from the grill.
Finally, ensure that any sides that are safe for you are kept separate from the others, preferably inside or in a separate room, and that new, clean utensils are used each time you serve yourself.
Even with options to celebrate safely with food, you may prefer to eat at home and hang out in a setting with no food. Fireworks (either your own or a show) can be a great way to celebrate the 4th without having to worry about food safety. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to food, so be aware of yours and be intentional about choosing safe and fun activities.
With a little extra preparation, the 4th of July can be just as safe, fun, and tasty with AGS as without. Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Looking for safe side dishes? Check out the recipe for my favorite mashed potatoes below!
