Food Safety Testing Market Overview

The Global Food Safety Testing Market is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by rising concerns over foodborne illnesses, increasingly strict safety regulations, and the globalization of food supply chains. Valued at USD 32.8 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 66.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.

Food safety testing ensures that products are free from harmful contaminants, allergens, pathogens, and toxins before reaching consumers. As international trade in food products expands, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius Commission are implementing stringent guidelines for testing and traceability. This has prompted food manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies like PCR, immunoassays, and chromatography to detect contamination with higher accuracy and speed. Microbiological testing remains a critical component, driven by outbreaks linked to pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Additionally, allergen testing has gained momentum due to the growing prevalence of food allergies worldwide. The expansion of the processed food sector, coupled with increasing consumer awareness about food safety and quality, is further driving the demand for reliable testing solutions. Technological advancements and automation are expected to make testing faster, more cost-effective, and accessible across both developed and developing economies.

Food Safety Testing Market Drivers and Opportunities

The rising incidence of foodborne illnesses is set to drive the Food Safety Testing market during the forecast period

The increasing prevalence of foodborne illnesses is a key driver for the growth of the food safety testing industry. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated food causes approximately 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 420,000 deaths annually worldwide. The globalization of food supply chains has increased the complexity of ensuring food safety, with products often crossing multiple borders before reaching consumers. Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria continue to cause widespread outbreaks, leading to significant public health concerns. Microbiological testing has emerged as a crucial preventive measure, enabling manufacturers and regulatory agencies to detect harmful microorganisms before products enter the market. High-profile recalls and litigation have also prompted companies to adopt more rigorous testing protocols to maintain brand reputation and consumer trust. In addition, the growing consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods, which require stringent quality checks, is boosting demand for both rapid and traditional testing methods. This trend is further supported by consumer awareness campaigns and government-led initiatives that emphasize the importance of food safety. The rising incidence of these illnesses ensures that food safety testing will remain a non-negotiable requirement for the food industry globally.

Stringent regulatory frameworks and global trade expansion fuel the food safety testing equipment and consumables market growth

Regulatory requirements play a pivotal role in shaping the food safety testing market. Governments across the globe have implemented strict safety standards to protect consumers from contaminated and unsafe food products. In the United States, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates preventive controls and extensive testing procedures. Similarly, the European Union enforces rigorous monitoring under EFSA guidelines, while countries like China and India are strengthening their domestic food safety laws to align with international trade requirements. The expansion of global food trade further drives the need for robust testing systems. As food products are exported and imported across regions, compliance with diverse safety regulations becomes essential to avoid trade restrictions and maintain market access. For exporters, meeting these standards not only ensures consumer safety but also enhances competitiveness in international markets. Technological innovations, such as portable testing kits and automated laboratory systems, are enabling faster and more accurate results, helping manufacturers meet tight regulatory timelines. This combination of stringent regulations and cross-border trade requirements ensures sustained investment in advanced testing technologies, thereby fueling the market’s growth.

Opportunity for the Food Safety Testing Market

Technological advancements in rapid testing methods create significant growth potential for the Food Safety Testing market

The growing adoption of advanced testing technologies offers substantial opportunities for the food safety testing industry. Traditional testing methods, while accurate, often require long turnaround times, which can delay product distribution. Rapid testing solutions, including PCR-based assays, immunoassays, biosensors, and portable diagnostic devices, are transforming the industry by providing results within hours rather than days. These innovations are especially valuable for perishable goods such as meat, dairy, and fresh produce, where time-sensitive distribution is critical. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into testing systems enables predictive analysis, allowing manufacturers to identify contamination risks before they occur. Cloud-based data management systems further streamline compliance reporting and traceability, which is vital for both domestic and international trade. The cost-effectiveness and scalability of rapid testing methods are making them accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, not just large corporations. With increasing demand for transparency and safety from consumers, retailers are also adopting on-site testing solutions. These technological advancements, combined with a rising focus on food authenticity and fraud detection, position rapid testing as a key growth driver for the market in the coming years.

Food Safety Testing Market Scope

Food Safety Testing Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The global Food Safety Testing Market industry analysis is segmented by Test, by Application, by Technology, and by Region.

The Microbiological Testing segment accounted for the largest market share in the global Food Safety Testing market

The microbiological testing segment holds the largest share in the food safety testing industry, driven by its critical role in detecting harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. This testing method is essential for preventing large-scale foodborne outbreaks and ensuring public health safety. Growing consumption of processed and ready-to-eat foods, which are more susceptible to contamination, has intensified the demand for accurate microbiological analysis. Regulatory agencies worldwide mandate routine microbiological testing across food production and distribution channels. Continuous advancements in microbial detection technologies, including PCR and next-generation sequencing, are enhancing accuracy, reducing turnaround times, and expanding the scope of testing to cover emerging pathogens.

The Meat, Poultry, & Seafood Products segment accounted for the largest market share in the global Food Safety Testing market

The meat, poultry, and seafood products segment dominates the application category, largely due to the high risk of contamination in these perishable products. Pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Vibrio species are common in these food categories, necessitating rigorous testing protocols. Increasing global trade in meat and seafood products, coupled with stricter import-export regulations, has amplified the need for thorough testing to ensure safety and quality. Moreover, consumer demand for fresh, minimally processed animal protein is driving producers to implement advanced, rapid testing methods that maintain freshness while ensuring compliance. This segment’s growth is also supported by the rising consumption of animal protein in emerging markets.

The Traditional Technology segment accounted for the largest market share in the global Food Safety Testing market

Traditional testing methods, including culture-based techniques and microscopy, continue to hold a significant share due to their proven reliability and cost-effectiveness. These methods are widely used in regulatory laboratories and food processing facilities, particularly in developing countries where access to advanced technologies may be limited. While rapid testing solutions are gaining traction, traditional methods remain the gold standard for confirmatory testing, ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations. Their ability to detect a broad spectrum of contaminants with high accuracy ensures continued relevance, especially in high-volume testing environments. Integration with modern automation tools is also improving the efficiency of these traditional methods.

The following segments are part of an in-depth analysis of the global Food Safety Testing Market:

Food Safety Testing Market Share Analysis by Region

The North America region is projected to hold the largest share of the global Food Safety Testing market over the forecast period.

North America leads the global food safety testing market, holding a 42.2% share in 2025. The region’s dominance is supported by advanced food safety regulations, high awareness among consumers, and strong enforcement by agencies like the U.S. FDA and USDA. The prevalence of large-scale food production facilities, combined with significant investment in research and technology, ensures the implementation of rigorous testing protocols. The U.S. and Canada also benefit from well-established cold chain logistics that facilitate the safe distribution of perishable goods.

Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding middle-class populations are fueling demand for safe and high-quality food products. Countries like China, India, and Japan are strengthening their food safety regulations to align with global standards, driven by a series of high-profile contamination incidents in the past. Growing international trade in food products and the expansion of domestic food processing industries are also spurring the adoption of advanced testing technologies in the region.

Food Safety Testing Market Competition Landscape Analysis

The global food safety testing market is moderately fragmented, with major players focusing on expanding their technological capabilities and global presence. Companies like SGS S.A., NSF International, Bureau Veritas, Eurofins Scientific SE, and Intertek Group PLC dominate the market, offering a broad portfolio of testing services and solutions. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions are common, aimed at strengthening regional footholds and enhancing service offerings. Innovations in rapid testing and automation are key areas of investment to meet the evolving needs of the food industry.

Global Food Safety Testing Market Recent Developments News:

• In March 2025 - Bio-Rad launched its XP-Design Assay Salmonella Serotyping Solution, utilizing real-time PCR with fluorescent probe technology for rapid, high-specificity identification of Salmonella in food and environmental testing. The ready-to-use format facilitates seamless laboratory integration while enhancing outbreak response capabilities and food safety monitoring.

• In October 2024 - Bureau Veritas completed the €360 million sale of its global food testing division to Mérieux NutriSciences, transferring 34 laboratories and approximately 1,900 employees. This strategic divestiture supports Bureau Veritas' LEAP|28 focus on core priorities, with proceeds earmarked for future growth initiatives.

• In November 2023 - QIAGEN introduced new QIAcuity digital PCR kits for mycoplasma detection, nucleic acid quantification, and food safety applications, alongside its upgraded QIAcuity Software 2.5. The enhanced platform delivers improved sensitivity, temperature gradient optimization, and comprehensive data documentation to meet stringent industry standards across biopharmaceutical and food safety sectors.

The Global Food Safety Testing Market is dominated by a few large companies, such as

●        SGS S.A.

●        NSF International

●        Bureau Veritas

●        Eurofins Scientific SE

●        Intertek Group PLC

●        Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

●        Merieux Nutrisciences

●        TUV SUD

●        UL LLC

●        AsureQuality Ltd

●        Agilent Technologies, Inc.

●        QIAGEN

●        Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

●        ALS

●        Eurofins Scientific

●        Other Prominent Players