Global Food Safety Testing Market

Growing concern regarding food-borne illness to aid the market growth

Foodborne illnesses are a major public health concern that significantly affects trade, development, and travel. Foodborne illnesses are conditions brought on by consuming contaminated food. Over 250 foodborne hazards, such as infectious bacteria, viruses, parasites, and noninfectious chemicals and toxins, have been identified. Although many of these agents frequently result in diarrhea and vomiting, not all foodborne illnesses have a single clinical syndrome. These agents can be added accidentally (or on purpose) during food production, processing, or preparation, or they can be an inherent component of the food.

In addition, the majority of foodborne illnesses can spread through water or contact with infected people, pets, or other animals in addition to food. Only a few foodborne diseases are transmitted solely through foods, so the percentage of illnesses linked to foodborne agents varies depending on the agent and how the food is handled. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe food worldwide causes 420 000 fatalities and 600 million foodborne illnesses annually. Children under five account for 30% of deaths from foodborne illnesses.

According to the World Health Organization, eating unsafe food annually results in the loss of 33 million healthy years of life worldwide. 

Additionally, the Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates that foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, Norovirus, and Campylobacter cost USD 15.5 billion annually in the United States. Due to the consequences of food poisoning, which can include illness and even premature death, there is a tremendous economic burden associated with medical costs as well as the production loss caused by workers being unable to work. Advances in allergy-free products are being made worldwide due to consumers' growing intolerance to allergens like gluten and dairy.

As a result, manufacturers frequently test packaged and processed food products for allergens and trace particles. This has led to the introduction of allergy-free products. Due to businesses operating ly testing organic products for evidence of listed or banned chemicals to comply with various country-level regulatory agencies, chemical testing in organic products is becoming increasingly popular in the market. For instance, the European Union lists more than 500 chemicals and dangerous substances that must be eliminated from organic products before they are shipped to European nations. This has enhanced the Food Safety Testing market CAGR across the globe.

Moreover, the scenario for food safety testing has expanded as a result of improved surveillance and detection techniques. By enforcing a strict food safety policy, the food manufacturers seek comprehensive oversight over the entire value chain, another factor propelling the growth of the food safety testing industry revenue.

The Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. By 2024, the market is expected to reach 18.5 USD Billion, with further growth anticipated as the industry adapts to evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements. Projections indicate that by 2035, the market could expand to 30.0 USD Billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.49% from 2025 to 2035. This growth trajectory underscores the increasing importance of food safety testing in ensuring public health and maintaining consumer trust in food products.

Consumer awareness regarding food safety is on the rise, significantly impacting the Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry. With increasing access to information through digital platforms, consumers are more informed about foodborne illnesses and the importance of safe food handling practices. This awareness drives demand for transparency in food sourcing and testing, prompting manufacturers to invest in food safety testing to ensure product quality. As consumers prioritize safety, the market is likely to see sustained growth, with projections indicating a market size of 30.0 USD Billion by 2035, highlighting the critical role of consumer education in shaping industry dynamics.

Technological advancements play a pivotal role in shaping the Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry. Innovations such as rapid testing methods, real-time monitoring systems, and advanced analytical techniques enhance the efficiency and accuracy of food safety testing. For instance, the introduction of PCR-based testing allows for quicker detection of pathogens, reducing the time from sample collection to results. These advancements not only improve testing capabilities but also lower operational costs for food manufacturers. As technology continues to evolve, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.49% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the industry's adaptation to new methodologies.

The emergence of new foodborne pathogens poses a significant challenge to the Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry. As pathogens evolve and adapt, traditional testing methods may become less effective, necessitating the development of new testing protocols. This dynamic environment compels food manufacturers to invest in advanced testing solutions to ensure consumer safety. The increasing incidence of foodborne illnesses highlights the need for robust testing frameworks, driving market growth. As awareness of these pathogens grows, the industry is likely to see increased investment in research and development, further enhancing the capabilities of food safety testing.

The Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry is experiencing heightened scrutiny due to increasing regulatory standards imposed by governments worldwide. Agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are continuously updating guidelines to ensure food safety. This regulatory environment compels food manufacturers to adopt rigorous testing protocols to comply with safety standards. As a result, the demand for food safety testing services is projected to grow, contributing to the market's expansion. By 2024, the market is expected to reach 18.5 USD Billion, reflecting the industry's response to these stringent regulations.

The globalization of food supply chains has introduced complexities that drive the demand for food safety testing within the Global Food Safety Testing Market Industry. As food products are sourced from various regions, the risk of contamination increases, necessitating stringent testing protocols. Countries are implementing more rigorous import regulations to ensure that food products meet safety standards, thereby boosting the need for comprehensive testing services. This trend is likely to contribute to market growth, as companies seek to mitigate risks associated with global sourcing. The market's expansion is further supported by the increasing volume of international trade in food products.

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North America, Food Safety Testing market accounted for USD 7.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. Technology advancements increased health benefits awareness, and increased food safety awareness is one factor contributing to this Region's market growth. The regional market for food safety testing is expanding due to the constantly evolving lifestyle.

Government support for new product development, food safety inspections, and a wide range of specialty health products are the main factors boosting regional market growth. Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil. 

Figure 3:  FOOD SAFETY TESTING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review 

Europe Food Safety Testing market accounts for the second-largest market share. Due to growing concerns across Europe, food safety is a significant problem. As a result, several policies have been put in place to protect the public. Control laboratories, national reference laboratories, and EU reference laboratories all monitor Europe's food safety regulations. These agencies are concerned with preserving consumer health by ensuring food quality throughout the supply chain. The assessment and dissemination of risks related to food contamination are tasks carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Concerns about the outbreak of foodborne illnesses brought on by pathogens in imported meat and poultry products have prompted Italy, the second-largest exporter of pasta in the world and the largest exporter of chocolate, to implement strict regulations. Further, the Germany market for food safety testing held the largest market share, and the UK food safety testing industry was the fastest-growing market in the European Region. The Asia-Pacific Food Safety Testing Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030.

Some main market drivers include increasing product demand, higher living standards, greater awareness of health issues, and a large population. The Region's food safety testing businesses are also concentrating on offering a range of cutting-edge safety testing methods. Moreover, the China market for food safety testing held the largest market share, and the India food safety testing industry was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product portfolios, which will spur further growth in the food safety testing market. With significant market developments like new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic initiatives to expand their  footprint. Cost-effective testing solutions are necessary for companies in the food safety testing industry if they want to grow and thrive in a market that is becoming more and more competitive.

One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the  Food Safety Testing industry is launching technologically advanced food testing kits. In recent years, the Food Safety Testing industry has raised investments, and many start-ups are entering the market. The Food Safety Testing markets major player such as SGS SA (Switzerland), Microbac Laboratories Inc. (US), Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg), Bureau Veritas (US), Intertek Group plc (UK), ALS Limited (Australia), AsureQuality Ltd. (New Zealand), Neogen Corporation (US), TÜV SÜD (Germany), and ADPEN Laboratories Inc. (US), and others are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

Eurofins Scientific is a leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical product testing, and CRO services for agriscience. Additionally, it is a market leader in testing and laboratory services for forensics, advanced material sciences, discovery pharmacology, genomics, and supporting clinical studies. In August 2022, Eurofins Scientific announced signing an agreement to acquire QSAI Analysis and Research Center Co., Ltd. ("QARC"). Bureau Veritas is a leader in laboratory testing, inspection, and certification services. The Group was founded in 1828 and now employs nearly 80,000 people in close to 1,600 offices and laboratories worldwide.

In May 2022, In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bureau Veritas announced the opening of its fifth Canadian Microbiology Laboratory. The new lab will provide indicators (Generic E. coli/Coliforms, Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold) and rapid pathogen testing (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella & Listeria).