Food Safety Testing Market

Food Safety Testing Market Size:

The global food safety testing market size reached USD 25.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 53.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% during 2025-2033. The global market is primarily driven by the increasing incidences of foodborne illnesses, the rising implementation of stringent regulatory standards, and continual technological advancements in testing methods, catering to rising global demands for food quality and safety.

Food Safety Testing Market Analysis:

• Market Growth and Size: The food safety testing market is experiencing significant growth, driven by heightened global awareness of foodborne illnesses and the need for stringent food safety protocols. The market's expansion is supported by increasing consumer demand for high-quality and safe food products, influencing the scale and scope of the industry.
• Major Market Drivers: Key drivers include rising instances of foodborne diseases, which heighten the need for rigorous food safety measures. This concern is amplified by growing consumer awareness and demand for transparency in food sourcing and production. Stringent regulatory standards worldwide, such as the FSMA in the U.S. and EU regulations, are compelling food manufacturers to adhere to strict safety testing protocols, fueling market growth.
• Technological Advancements: Advancements in testing technologies, such as PCR and NGS, are revolutionizing the market by providing faster, more accurate, and sensitive testing solutions. These technologies enable early detection of contaminants, enhancing food safety. The integration of automation and IT in testing processes is improving efficiency, data management, and the capability to handle complex testing requirements, further driving market expansion.
• Industry Applications: The testing market caters to a wide range of industries, including agriculture, packaged food manufacturers, and the hospitality sector, ensuring compliance with health standards. It plays a critical role in supply chain management, from raw material testing to end-product verification, ensuring that all stages of food production meet safety norms.
• Key Market Trends: The trend towards adopting more comprehensive and multi-contaminant detection methods is noticeable, moving beyond traditional pathogen testing to include chemicals, toxins, and GMO testing. Consumer demand for organic and non-GMO products is also influencing the market, with increased testing to verify these claims.
• Geographical Trends: North America and Europe are leading in market share due to their stringent regulatory environments and high consumer awareness about food safety. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are rapidly growing, driven by increasing urbanization, changing dietary habits, and improving regulatory frameworks.
• Competitive Landscape: The market is characterized by the presence of both specialized testing companies and diversified multinational corporations, creating a competitive and dynamic environment. Partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are common strategies for expanding service offerings and geographical reach, indicating a consolidating market.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges include keeping pace with rapidly changing pathogens, diverse food matrices, and changing regulatory landscapes, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation. However, these challenges present opportunities for developing new testing methods and expanding into untapped markets, especially in developing regions where food safety awareness is growing.
   

Food Safety Testing Market Trends:

Increasing incidences of foodborne illnesses 

The rise in foodborne illnesses among the masses augments the growth of the market. As consumer awareness about the health implications of contaminated food increases, there is a growing demand for stringent safety standards and regular testing to ensure food quality and safety. These concerns are relevant to consumers, food producers and retailers and are also increasingly vigilant about preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, which can lead to significant financial losses and damage to reputation. Consequently, there's a rise in demand for advanced testing technologies and more comprehensive testing protocols to detect a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, chemicals, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Stringent regulatory standards

Governments and international bodies are implementing stricter food safety regulations to protect public health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. These regulations often require comprehensive testing of food products for a variety of contaminants. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States and the General Food Law Regulation in the European Union have set high standards for food safety, necessitating regular and thorough testing. Compliance with these regulatory standards is a significant driver for the food safety testing market, as failure to meet these standards can result in severe penalties, including product recalls, fines, and loss of consumer trust.

Technological advancements in testing methods

The development and adoption of advanced technologies for food safety testing is a significant driver of market growth. Modern testing methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), offer greater accuracy, sensitivity, and speed compared to traditional testing methods. These technologies can detect pathogens and contaminants at much lower levels and in less time, which is crucial for timely decision-making and ensuring the rapid availability of safe food products in the market. The integration of information technology and automation in testing processes has also made it easier for food manufacturers and testing laboratories to manage large volumes of data, further augmenting the efficiency and effectiveness of food safety testing.

Food Safety Testing Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, food tested and technology.

Breakup by Type:

• Pathogen
• Genetically Modified Organism
• Chemical and Toxin
• Others
   

Pathogen accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes pathogen, genetically modified organism, chemical and toxin, and others. According to the report, pathogen represented the largest segment.

Pathogen testing is the largest segment in the market, primarily due to the high risk associated with pathogenic contaminations in food, leading to serious health issues. This segment focuses on detecting harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses. The rising incidence of diseases caused by pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria is a key driver for this segment. The demand for rapid, accurate, and sensitive testing methods to detect these pathogens is high, leading to significant investments in developing advanced testing technologies.

Furthermore, genetically modified organism (GMO) testing is a critical segment in the market, addressing consumer and regulatory concerns regarding the presence, and labeling of genetically modified ingredients in food products. This segment involves testing to identify and quantify GMOs to ensure compliance with labeling laws and meet consumer demands for non-GMO products.

On the other hand, the chemical and toxin testing segment focuses on detecting harmful chemical residues and natural toxins in food products, such as pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins. This type of testing is essential due to the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to these harmful substances. The growing use of agrochemicals in farming and concerns about environmental contamination have heightened the importance of this segment.

Breakup by Food Tested:

• Meat and Meat Products
• Dairy and Dairy Products
• Cereals, Grains, and Pulses
• Processed Food
• Others
   

Meat and meat products holds the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the food tested have also been provided in the report. This includes meat and meat products, dairy and dairy products, cereals, grains, and pulses, processed food, and others. According to the report, meat and meat products accounted for the largest market share.

Meat and meat products represent the largest share in the market. This dominance is primarily due to the high risk of contamination and spoilage associated with these products. Meat and meat products are particularly susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to severe foodborne illnesses. The testing in this segment is comprehensive, encompassing the detection of pathogens, residues of veterinary drugs, and other contaminants. The global increase in meat consumption, coupled with stringent safety regulations and consumer awareness about foodborne risks, drives the demand for rigorous testing in this sector.

On the other hand, dairy and dairy products focus on ensuring the safety and quality of products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. Dairy products are tested for pathogens, spoilage organisms, and chemical contaminants, including antibiotics and pesticides. The need for testing in this segment is driven by the high consumption rates of dairy products globally and the potential health risks associated with contaminated dairy, including bacterial infections and chemical poisoning.

Moreover, cereals, grains, and pulses segment is significant in the market, given the widespread consumption of these products worldwide. This segment involves testing for contaminants such as mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can pose serious health risks. Additionally, testing for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is also critical in this segment, especially in regions with strict GMO regulations. 

Furthermore, the processed food segment is a vital part of the market, encompassing a wide range of products from canned goods to ready-to-eat meals. This segment requires extensive testing due to the potential introduction of contaminants during the various stages of processing. Testing in this segment includes the detection of chemical residues, additives, pathogens, and allergens.

Breakup by Technology:

• Agar Culturing
• PCR-based Assay
• Immunoassay-based
• Others
   

Immunoassay-based represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the technology. This includes agar culturing, PCR-based assay, immunoassay-based, and others. According to the report, immunoassay-based represented the largest segment.

The immunoassay-based segment holds the largest share in the market, reflecting its widespread application due to its efficiency, sensitivity, and user-friendliness. Immunoassays, such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), are commonly used to detect a variety of contaminants, including pathogens, allergens, and toxins. The popularity of this technology stems from its ability to provide quick and reliable results, which is crucial in ensuring timely decision-making for food safety. This method's versatility in testing a broad range of food products, from dairy to processed foods, further cements its dominant position in the market.

On the contrary, agar culturing technique involves growing microorganisms on agar plates under controlled conditions to detect and quantify bacterial contamination. Its reliability and the ability to isolate specific strains of bacteria make it a standard method in many testing protocols. It is widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and the detailed information it provides about microbial colonies.

Furthermore, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay segment is a rapidly growing part of the testing market, known for its high sensitivity and specificity. PCR technology amplifies DNA sequences, making it possible to detect even minute amounts of genetic material from pathogens, GMOs, or other organisms in food samples.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest food safety testing market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

North America is the largest segment in the food testing market, largely due to the stringent regulatory standards and high consumer awareness regarding food safety in this region. The United States and Canada have comprehensive food safety policies which mandate rigorous testing of food products. The region also witnesses a high demand for advanced testing technologies, such as PCR and immunoassay-based tests, to ensure the safety of a diverse range of food products. Furthermore, the presence of major companies and continuous investments in research and development contribute to the dominance of North America in the global market.

On the other hand, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the market, driven by increasing consumer awareness, rising food safety concerns, and improving regulatory frameworks. Countries are seeing a rise in demand for testing services due to growing urbanization, changes in dietary habits, and an increase in international food trade. The region is also witnessing a shift towards adopting more advanced testing technologies, although traditional methods, including agar culturing still hold significance. Investments in infrastructure development and the expansion of food industries in the region further fuel the market growth.

The European Union's stringent food safety standards, including the General Food Law Regulation, necessitate comprehensive testing of food products, particularly for contaminants like pesticides, pathogens, and GMOs. The market in Europe is also driven by technological advancements and the high adoption of sophisticated testing methods. Additionally, the region's focus on organic and non-GMO food products necessitates specific testing protocols, contributing to the market's diversity and growth.

Furthermore, the Latin American food safety testing market is growing steadily, influenced by increasing international trade, rising stringency in food safety regulations, and heightened consumer awareness. Countries, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are focusing more on improving food safety standards to meet both domestic and international requirements. The market in this region encompasses a range of testing services, from traditional microbiological testing to advanced chemical residue analysis.

On the contrary, the food testing market in the Middle East and Africa is developing, with growth driven by factors such as increasing food import dependency, rising consumer awareness, and the need to comply with international food safety standards. The market in this region faces unique challenges due to diverse food consumption patterns and varying levels of regulatory enforcement.

Leading Key Players in the Food Safety Testing Industry:

Companies are heavily investing in R&D to develop new, more efficient, and accurate testing methods. This includes the advancement of rapid testing technologies, such as PCR and immunoassay techniques, and the exploration of novel testing methodologies, including biosensors and next-generation sequencing. These innovations aim to reduce testing time, increase sensitivity and specificity, and offer more comprehensive testing capabilities. Moreover, key players are expanding their range of testing services. This includes broadening the scope of contaminants they can test for, such as emerging pathogens, chemical residues, allergens, and GMOs. Companies are also offering more specialized services, such as organic and non-GMO verification, to meet the growing consumer demand for these product categories.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ADPEN Laboratories Inc.
• ALS Limited
• AsureQuality Limited
• Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
• Bureau Veritas
• DNV AS (Stiftelsen Det Norske Veritas)
• Eurofins Scientific
• Intertek Group plc
• Mérieux NutriSciences
• NEOGEN Corporation
• NSF International
• SGS SA
• TÜV SÜD
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Latest News: 

• 18 December 2023: Eurofins Scientific has signed an agreement to acquire the activities of SGS Crop Science in 14 countries, which generated sales of around 46 million Swiss francs in 2022.
• 08 August 2023: NEOGEN Corporation announced that it has released an extensive selection of new genetic tests through Paw Print Genetics and Canine HealthCheck solutions. These new tests can identify genetic sequences associated with potential diseases and other traits and can provide invaluable insights into a canine's genetic composition.
• 02 August 2021: ALS Limited expands life sciences service offering and geographic footprint with acquisition of 49% stake in European pharmaceutical business. The acquisition of this 49% stake in NUVISAN provides the platform for ALS to expand its offering from quality control testing into upstream services in research and development which constitutes the majority of client spend.
   

Food Safety Testing Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the food safety testing market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global food safety testing market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the food safety testing industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.