Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard are modifying their menus to enhance safety as cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy linked to tick bites, continue to rise.
By June 2026, there have been 416 confirmed alpha-gal cases reported on the island. To give some context, 742 positive tests were recorded in 2025, while only two cases were found in 2020, according to reports from N magazine and Vineyard Gazette.
Lee Hamner, a tick epidemiologist, mentioned that while some individuals might avoid red meat, they still consume dairy. Interestingly, reactions can also be triggered by the smoke from cooking red meat or dairy, and some might respond adversely to carrageenan, a thickening agent from seaweed. The disease, which is spread by the lone star tick, can also lead to allergies to specific medications, as noted by the Boston Globe.
Symptoms can vary widely; while some experience gastrointestinal issues, others might suffer from serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Consequently, restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard are taking steps to remove potential alpha-gal allergens from their offerings.
Charlie Granquist, a chef at Slough Farm, shared with the Vineyard Gazette that he meticulously cleans his utensils between uses to prevent cross-contamination and ensures alternatives are available for those with alpha-gal sensitivities.
“When there’s a peanut allergy in the kitchen, I handle it with utmost care,” he explained, referencing how he marks orders to keep allergens in mind.
Establishments like The Attic in Vineyard Haven have introduced dishes labeled as “Alpha Gal Friendly,” with options such as homemade crab cakes on the menu. The restaurant encourages patrons to inform the server about any allergies. Other places, including Red Cat Kitchen in Oak Bluffs, have even created dedicated Alpha Gal menus, as noted by the Boston Globe.
Alex Wright, a local who works at Moe’s Ranch sandwich shop and has alpha-gal syndrome, shared that the aroma of cooked patties has a notable emotional impact on her.
“I didn’t realize how much I loved hamburgers until I was no longer able to eat them,” she said, expressing her feelings to the Boston Globe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 15,000 new alpha-gal syndrome diagnoses occur annually.
This surge in cases has led to speculation that some might believe manmade tick-borne diseases are being utilized to intentionally spread alpha-gal syndrome, perhaps as a strategy to reduce red meat consumption.
