Food Pathogen Testing Market Report 2025

The food pathogen testing market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $11.31 billion in 2024 to $12.35 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to food safety regulations, outbreaks and contamination incidents, globalization of food trade, consumer awareness and demand, industry standards and best practices.

The food pathogen testing market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $18.85 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to COVID-19 impact, quality assurance and consumer trust, emerging pathogens and disease outbreaks, industry collaboration and standardization, focus on public health initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include continual R&D and innovation, remote and mobile testing solutions, consumer demand for transparency, rapid testing solutions, microbial identification systems, automation and robotics.

The rising incidence of food poisoning is expected to drive the growth of the food pathogen testing market. Food poisoning refers to illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated and unsafe food. Food pathogen testing is crucial for identifying pathogenic organisms in manufacturing environments, ingredients, or finished products, helping to reduce instances of food poisoning. Consequently, the increasing prevalence of foodborne illnesses boosts the demand for food pathogen testing. For example, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, there are approximately 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year, which equates to 1 in 6 Americans falling ill. Additionally, these infections lead to an estimated 3,000 fatalities and 12,800 hospital admissions annually. Therefore, the growing incidence of food poisoning is a key driver of the food pathogen testing market.

Anticipated growth in the food pathogen testing market is also attributed to the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. This industry, encompassing various aspects from production to distribution, relies on rigorous pathogen testing to ensure product safety and quality. By identifying and mitigating the presence of harmful pathogens, such testing contributes to preventing foodborne illnesses, upholding public health, complying with regulatory standards, and sustaining consumer confidence. Notably, in 2022, the Food and Drink Federation reported a 31% increase in food and drink exports in the UK, reaching a remarkable turnover of $10.84 billion (£10.3 billion), contributing significantly to Scotland's manufacturing output. The elevated demand from the food and beverage sector is a major driver for the growth of the food pathogen testing market.

A prominent trend in the food pathogen testing market is the adoption of technological advancements. Major market players are investing in innovative technologies to strengthen their market positions. Spectacular Labs, a US-based laboratory, introduced a groundbreaking pathogen testing platform in July 2023. This platform offers fast, accurate, and automated on-site pathogen testing for food and beverage companies, enabling testing laboratories to scale operations cost-effectively. The integration of speed, accuracy, and affordability positions the platform as a top-tier solution for food safety testing.

Innovative molecular diagnostic tools, such as speciation kits, are becoming a focal point for major companies in the food pathogen testing market. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a leading research company, launched the ID-Check Speciation kits in April 2023. These kits, designed for the detection of DNA from select meat species, utilize mitochondrial DNA targeting for enhanced specificity. The kits offer remarkable sensitivity, enabling detection in less than 2 hours, with limits of detection as low as 0.001%. This emphasis on molecular diagnostics enhances the capabilities of food pathogen testing and serves as a competitive edge in the market.

In November 2022, SGS S.A., a Switzerland-based company specializing in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services, acquired Industry Lab for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to enhance SGS S.A.'s food services and laboratory network in Europe by bolstering its Health & Nutrition services portfolio in Romania. The strategic move will allow SGS to improve efficiencies and better serve clients in the region while integrating the Industry Lab team into its organization. Industry Lab, based in Romania, focuses on providing comprehensive food pathogen testing solutions to assist food manufacturers in maintaining safety and quality standards.

Major companies operating in the food pathogen testing market are Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited, Intertek Group PLC, Asurequality Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Merck Co. & KGaA, Neogen Corporation, bioMerieux SA, Agilent Technologies Inc., Qiagen NV, Shimadzu Corporation, SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, Genetic Id Na Inc., RapidBio Systems Inc., Mérieux NutriSciences Corp., FoodChain ID Inc., Ring Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Genon Laboratories Ltd., PerkinElmer Inc., Randox Food Diagnostics Ltd., Omega Diagnostics Group PLC, Romer Labs Inc., Eurofins Scientific SE, Charm Sciences Inc., Hygiena LLC, MilliporeSigma, Hardy Diagnostics, Luminex Corporation.

Europe was the largest region in the food pathogen testing market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food pathogen testing market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the food pathogen testing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Food pathogen testing is a critical process aimed at identifying and mitigating the presence of harmful microorganisms in food production. This practice is integral to ensuring sanitation, upholding food safety standards, minimizing foodborne illnesses, and eliminating potential threats posed by dangerous organisms in various stages of production, including ingredients and final products.

The primary pathogens targeted in food pathogen testing include E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and others. One prominent example is Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7, a significant foodborne pathogen associated with severe diseases. Real-time PCR is an effective method used for rapid testing, allowing for the swift identification of negative samples or the presumptive presence of E. coli O157:H7 within 24 hours. A diverse range of technologies is employed in food pathogen testing, encompassing traditional methods, rapid assays, immunoassays, convenience-based approaches, PCR, and others. These tests are conducted to detect microorganisms in various food categories such as meat, poultry, dairy, and processed foods. The distribution of these testing technologies involves sales channels, including OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket providers. This comprehensive approach ensures the thorough examination of food products, contributing to overall consumer safety and the prevention of foodborne illnesses.

The food pathogen testing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food pathogen testing market statistics, including food pathogen testing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food pathogen testing market share, detailed food pathogen testing market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food pathogen testing industry. This food pathogen testing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The food pathogen testing services market includes revenues earned by entities through multiplex PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and oligonucleotide DNA microarray. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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