Food Safety Testing Market

Food Safety Testing Market Size and Share:

The global food safety testing market size was valued at USD 25.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 53.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 40.3% in 2024. The North American region is driven by the implementation of stringent food safety regulations, advanced testing technologies, high consumer awareness, and the increasing prevalence of foodborne illnesses.

The increasing occurrence of foodborne illnesses from pathogens, toxins, and contaminants is catalyzing the demand for strong food safety measures and testing procedures. Additionally, authorities and regulatory bodies around the globe are implementing strict food safety regulations, requiring thorough testing in different food sectors to guarantee consumer safety. Moreover, the growing international trade of food items heightens the chances of contamination and necessitates regular safety testing for adhering to various international regulations. In addition, advancements in testing methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassays, and next-generation sequencing are enhancing the efficiency, precision, and detection capabilities of food safety testing techniques.

The United States is a major region in the food safety testing market, driven by the growing number of foodborne illness cases. Regulatory authorities are enforcing stringent safety standards owing to the rising public awareness about health risks associated with contaminated food. Additionally, the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases is driving the demand for enhanced food safety testing. The potential for pathogens to cross from animals to humans is encouraging regulatory agencies to prioritize the development of stringent testing protocols for animal-derived food products. In 2024, the FDA expanded H5N1 avian flu testing to include a wider range of dairy products like raw-milk cheese and ice cream while also studying pasteurization's effectiveness.

Food Safety Testing Market Trends:

Government Investments in Food Safety Infrastructure 

The proactive role of governing bodies in enhancing food safety infrastructure is a key factor supporting the market growth. Notable investments are being made to establish state-of-the-art testing laboratories and expand the capacity for testing food samples. These initiatives aim to strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure food quality across regions. By collaborating with national and international food safety authorities, governments are enabling the adoption of advanced testing technologies and protocols. In 2024, The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Andhra Pradesh government inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up food testing facilities in the state. The labs in Tirumala and Kurnool would cost ₹40 crore. The ₹88.41 crore plan for 2024-25 also includes testing food samples and raising awareness about food safety.

Advancements in Food Testing Technologies

Technological progress in food safety testing methods, such as PCR-based assays, immunoassays, and mass spectrometry, is enhancing the precision, speed, and reliability of detecting contaminants. Advancements in quick testing methods are enabling food companies to promptly detect possible dangers, reducing the chances of contamination reaching customers. These developments are especially advantageous for perishable items that need to be tested right away. In 2024, NOMADX Holdings LLC launched a rapid biological and chemical detection platform leveraging SERS technology to enable on-site testing for food safety, water quality, and clinical applications. The platform offers PCR-level sensitivity with 1-2 minute results, targeting contaminants like Salmonella, E. coli, and PFAS. Its portable, cost-effective solution aims to revolutionize environmental and health testing worldwide.

Automation in Testing Processes 

Automation in food safety testing is revolutionizing the sector through enhancing effectiveness, precision, and expandability. Sophisticated automated systems are decreasing the manual labor needed in testing processes, allowing labs to manage bigger quantities of samples with reliable accuracy. These technologies are essential in high-demand testing environments as they reduce human errors, standardize testing procedures, and improve resource allocation. Automating digital systems improves data management by enabling real-time monitoring and more efficient workflows. In 2024, Neogen Corporation launched the Petrifilm® Automated Feeder, reducing hands-on enumeration time in food safety testing labs from 4 hours to 1 minute. Designed for high-volume labs, it processes up to 300 Petrifilm Plates in 33 minutes, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error. This innovation integrates seamlessly with existing lab workflows and data systems.

Food Safety Testing Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global food safety testing market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type, food tested, and technology.

Analysis by Type:

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

Pathogen leads the market, accounting for 44.0% of the market share in 2024. 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 growing demand for rapid, accurate, and sensitive testing methods to detect these pathogens is leading to notable investments in developing advanced testing technologies such as PCR and next-generation sequencing. These innovations offer faster turnaround times and greater precision, making them indispensable for food manufacturers and testing laboratories.

Analysis by Food Tested:

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

Processed food holds the biggest market share of 36.1% in 2024. This segment leads the market, reflecting the rising consumption of ready-to-eat meals (RTE), snacks, and convenience foods. This section is very susceptible to contamination because of frequent handling, numerous processing steps, and extended shelf lives, leading to higher chances of microbial growth, chemical contamination, and adulteration. Strict regulations and the desire for safe, high-quality processed foods are catalyzing the demand for thorough testing. Manufacturers rely on cutting-edge technologies like immunoassays and chromatography for identifying contaminants and meeting safety standards. The importance of testing processed foods to prevent cross-border contamination is highlighted by the globalization of food trade. Investments in advanced testing solutions and automation are improving the effectiveness and dependability of testing procedures, strengthening the prominent role of processed food in the market.

Analysis by Technology:

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

PCR-based assay dominates the market with 48.0% market share in 2024. This is owing to its unmatched accuracy, sensitivity, and speed in detecting contaminants at molecular levels. This technology is commonly employed for detecting pathogens, GMOs, and allergens in food items. Its indispensability in high-throughput testing settings is crucial given the growing number of foodborne outbreaks and strict regulatory demands. PCR techniques are successful in amplifying and identifying particular DNA sequences, allowing accurate detection of impurities even within intricate food samples. The increasing use of real-time PCR improves effectiveness by delivering quantitative results, which are essential for meeting worldwide safety regulations. This technology is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of products in industries such as meat, dairy, and processed foods. Ongoing developments like multiplex PCR and portable devices are broadening the use of this technology, reinforcing its dominance in the market.

Regional Analysis:

• 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

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of 40.3%. North America is the largest segment in the 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 that are focusing on strategic expansion highlights the region's commitment to strengthening its food safety infrastructure, further solidifying North America's leadership in the market. In 2024, SGS North America increased its food and nutraceutical testing capabilities by opening a modern facility in Fairfield, New Jersey, to accommodate the rising needs of their clients. The establishment provides high-level services such as pathogen detection, food hygiene testing, and environmental monitoring. This supplements SGS's vast network of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs throughout North America.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Food Safety Testing Market Analysis

The United States accounts for 81.4% of the market share in North America. Stricter government restrictions, growing consumer awareness, and an increase in foodborne illness cases are the main factors bolstering the market growth in the United States. The FDA's jurisdiction has been greatly increased by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which requires more stringent compliance standards throughout the food supply chain. As a result, there is a need for testing methods, such as chemical residue detection, allergy testing, and microbiological analysis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne infections afflict over 48 million Americans every year, resulting in 128,000 hospital admissions and about 3,000 fatalities. This concerning figure highlights how important it is to do thorough food safety testing to stop outbreaks and safeguard the public's health, which will increase market demand. Faster and more precise results are being made possible by technological developments in rapid testing techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and biosensors. The demand for strict quality checks is being further driven by consumers' growing desire for organic and non-GMO food products. The testing market is also developing because of the expanding meal delivery services and e-commerce food industry, which place a high priority on quality assurance to preserve individual confidence.

Europe Food Safety Testing Market Analysis

The market for food safety testing in Europe is driven by stringent regulations, high export requirements, and growing consumer desire for transparency. Mandatory testing for pollutants, allergens, and pathogens is enforced by laws, such as the General Food Law Regulation (EC 178/2002) and the directives of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Aflatoxin contamination occurrences and the 2013 horse meat crisis have raised consumer and industry stakeholder awareness. Due to the heavy reliance of the European food sector on imports, especially of raw materials, strict testing is required to avoid cross-border contamination. Nearly 30% of the global food safety testing market was in Europe in 2024, with Germany, the UK, and France making up the greatest contributors. The need for testing services is being further increased using emerging technologies like blockchain for traceability. Allergen-specific testing has also increased because of consumers' rising preference for plant-based and allergy-free food products.

Asia Pacific Food Safety Testing Market Analysis

The market for food safety testing is expanding quickly in Asia-Pacific as a result of growing food exports, urbanization, and consumer awareness. Countries such as China and India are strengthening their regulatory structures with initiatives like China's Food Safety Law and India's FSSAI guidelines. Frequent contamination events, like the melamine affair in China and pesticide residues in produce, have emphasized the importance of robust testing methods. Due to the expansion of the food processing industries and the increasing foreign investments, it was projected that the market in the region would be valued at USD 5.4 Billion by 2024. New technologies like portable testing kits and AI predictive models for food safety are rapidly being adopted. Additional factors boosting growth are the rising middle class and the growing need for convenience and packaged meals.

Latin America Food Safety Testing Market Analysis

The market for food safety testing in Latin America is driven by the region's notable agricultural exports and growing emphasis on adhering to international food safety regulations. Major meat, fruit, and grain exporters like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico require stringent testing for pollutants, residues, and pathogens to meet international requirements. Brazil held the largest share of the Latin American market, which was valued at USD 0.84 Billion in 2024. The demand for processed and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods has increased due to the expanding fast-food business and rising disposable incomes, necessitating quality monitoring. Additionally, governments are making investments in updating testing facilities and enforcing more stringent regulations regarding food safety.

Middle East and Africa Food Safety Testing Market Analysis

Increased government efforts to enhance food quality, increased attention to food imports, and an increase in foodborne illness cases are the main drivers of food safety testing in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members import more than 90% of their food, adherence to international safety regulations is essential. South Africa and Saudi Arabia led the MEA market, which was estimated to be worth USD 1.2 Billion in 2024. While international partnerships are enabling the transfer of cutting-edge testing technologies, governments are investing in contemporary testing infrastructure. The need for food safety testing is also being driven by the growing use of e-commerce grocery platforms, which place a strong emphasis on quality control to win over clients.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players in the market are focusing on developing advanced technologies to enhance testing accuracy, speed, and reliability. They are investing in research operations to introduce innovative solutions, such as rapid testing kits, molecular diagnostics, and automation in testing processes. Additionally, they are adopting digital platforms and data analytics to streamline operations and provide real-time monitoring, ensuring comprehensive food safety management for manufacturers and consumers. Companies are also increasing their presence through partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. For example, in 2024, Eurofins Scientific announced the acquisition of Labormar, expanding its food, feed, environmental, cosmetic, and pharmacological testing capabilities in Colombia. This marks the second Eurofins laboratory in the country, enhancing its presence in Latin America with a network of 15 laboratories across five countries.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the food safety testing market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• 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

Latest News and Developments:

• October 2024: Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, has signed a deal to purchase the food testing division of Bureau Veritas for an Enterprise Value of USD 377.11 Million. This acquisition, backed by its parent company, Institut Mérieux, strengthens Mérieux NutriSciences' dedication to advancing safer, healthier, and more sustainable food systems worldwide..
• July 2024: A suspended simultaneous sandwich assay (SSSA) represents a significant advancement in food safety and quality testing that the industry has anticipated, and it can easily fit in one's hand. Alden merges innovative capabilities with the "Internet of Things" to create a novel approach for guaranteeing food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• 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.

Food Safety Testing Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s 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 study 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.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.