Background:

Hypersensitivity to red meat has been increasing and is related to sensitization to galactose‑α‑1, 3‑galactose (alpha‑gal).

Case reports:

The authors describe 2 cases of red meat allergy due to alpha‑gal sensitization. Case A: 47‑year‑old atopic male, with several episodes of generalized urticaria and lip angioedema, 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingestion of red meat. Skin tests were positive to red meat and specific IgE positive for pork, beef and alpha‑gal. Case B: 42‑year old male without any atopic disease, with generalized urticaria and oropharyngeal tightening 6h after pork ingestion (> 10 episodes). Skin tests were positive to pork and specific IgE assay positive for pork, beef and alpha‑gal. After red meat avoidance, no other manifestations were reported.

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