Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Synopsis

The Global Food Pathogen Testing Market was worth USD 15.3 Billion in 2023. As such, the forecast is that the market is expected to reach USD 32.15 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 8.6 % from 2024 to 2032.

• The Food Pathogen Testing Market refers to the industry involved in testing food products to detect and identify pathogens that may pose health risks. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that contaminate food and potentially lead to foodborne illnesses. The market encompasses a range of testing methodologies and technologies designed to ensure food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
• The food pathogen testing market has experienced significant growth due to increasing awareness of food safety and stringent regulations. Rising incidents of foodborne illnesses globally have driven demand for advanced testing solutions to ensure the safety and quality of food products.
• Innovations in testing technologies, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and next-generation sequencing, have enhanced the accuracy and speed of pathogen detection. These advancements have contributed to the market's expansion by offering more reliable and efficient testing methods.
• Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing strict food safety regulations, which mandate regular testing for pathogens. This regulatory pressure is a key factor driving the growth of the food pathogen testing market as companies seek to comply with these standards.
• The market is segmented by the type of pathogens tested, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It is also segmented by testing methods, including traditional culture methods and newer molecular techniques. This segmentation allows for tailored solutions to meet diverse testing needs across various food sectors.

Top Key Players Involved Are:

"Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA), Bio-Rad Laboratories (USA), Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland), Danaher Corporation (USA), PerkinElmer Inc. (USA), Agilent Technologies (USA), Neogen Corporation (USA), Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg), Becton, Dickinson and Company (USA), QIAGEN N.V. (Germany), Mérieux NutriSciences (France), Fapon Biotech Inc. (China), Luminex Corporation (USA), IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (USA), Testo SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), Hudson Robotics (USA), Enigma Diagnostics (UK), Sygnis AG (Germany), Hyris Ltd. (UK), Biocontrol Systems Inc. (USA), Chemtura Corporation (USA), Neogen Corporation (USA), Silliker Inc. (USA), Scharlab S.L. (Spain), Romer Labs Inc. (Austria), Genomatica Inc. (USA), and Other Active Players."

Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Trend Analysis

Cross-Contamination Of Edibles From Elaborate Methods:

• The rising concern over cross-contamination in food products is significantly driving the growth of the Food Pathogen Testing Market. Cross-contamination, which involves the inadvertent transfer of microorganisms, chemical pollutants, or allergens from one food product to another, poses serious health risks, particularly when raw foods come into contact with ready-to-eat (RTE) items. This risk is heightened in complex food production processes where handling practices, equipment, and environmental factors contribute to pathogen spread.
• As awareness of food safety grows, there is an increasing demand for effective pathogen testing solutions to prevent contamination at every stage of the food supply chain. This encompasses raw food handling, equipment sanitation, and monitoring of production environments. Stringent regulations and consumer expectations for safe food are further fueling the need for advanced testing technologies to ensure hygiene and prevent foodborne illnesses, thereby driving market expansion.

Innovations In Technology Within The Testing Sector:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the food pathogen testing market, highlighting a critical need for advanced technological solutions. Staffing challenges in specialized areas, such as lab technicians, have underscored the demand for more accurate and efficient testing methods. This situation presents a market opportunity for innovations in food safety technologies. Advances in nucleic acid detection, including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and LAMP, offer enhanced precision in identifying pathogens.
• Additionally, antibody-based methods such as ELISA, ELFA, and lateral flow assays are becoming increasingly relevant. The market is also poised for growth with the integration of advanced sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for strain identification. Traditional techniques like serotyping, MLST, PFGE, and DNA arrays remain valuable, but the evolving landscape requires new solutions to meet the growing demand for rapid and reliable food safety testing. This creates a promising avenue for technological development and market expansion.

Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Segment Analysis:

The Global Food Pathogen Testing Market is Segmented into Type, Technology, Food Type,  and Region.

By Type, the Salmonella segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

• The Salmonella segment is the dominant force in the food pathogen testing market, commanding the largest market share. This Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and motile enterobacterium is a significant concern in food safety, primarily found in meat, poultry, milk, and eggs. Salmonella has been responsible for numerous large-scale foodborne illness outbreaks.
• A notable example is the August outbreak linked to Kinder chocolate, produced by Ferrero, which affected over 450 individuals. Another case involved the July recall of Natural Grocers Brand 1-pound Organic Amaranth Grain by Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., due to potential Salmonella contamination. These incidents highlight the critical need for effective Salmonella testing to ensure food safety and prevent widespread health risks. As such, the emphasis on detecting and controlling Salmonella remains a central focus in the food pathogen testing industry.

By Technology, the Rapid Technology segment held the largest share in 2023.

• The rapid technology segment is set to dominate the food pathogen testing market. Food producers are increasingly adopting rapid testing solutions to enhance result turnaround and streamline supply chain operations. These advanced methods offer significant advantages over traditional technologies, including improved accuracy, sensitivity, and the ability to test a broader spectrum of contaminants while delivering precise results.
• This innovative technology automates the creation and dispensing of culture media for microbiological food testing, significantly improving testing efficiency. By eliminating the traditional five-step microbiological testing process, ReadyStream exemplifies the rapid technology segment's capability to transform food safety practices. As such, rapid testing technologies are becoming essential for producers seeking to enhance operational efficiency and ensure higher standards of food safety.

Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Regional Insights:

Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast Period

• The Asia-Pacific region is set to dominate the global food pathogen testing market, with Japan and Australia emerging as key players. Japan, a major market in the region, has a mature food pathogen testing industry characterized by steady growth. Stringent food sanitation laws and a rigorous scrutiny system reflect Japan’s commitment to addressing food safety concerns, with E. coli being a significant cause of foodborne diseases.
• In Australia, the importance of food pathogen testing has surged due to frequent foodborne disease outbreaks, stringent food safety regulations, and increased international trade. The implementation of a robust food safety system and advanced technologies has effectively reduced foodborne disease incidences. Australia’s food industry adheres to strict quality control standards and regulatory norms, driving significant growth in the market. Together, these factors underscore the Asia-Pacific region's leading role in food pathogen testing.

Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Top Key Players:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA)
• Bio-Rad Laboratories (USA)
• Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland)
• Danaher Corporation (USA)
• PerkinElmer Inc. (USA)
• Agilent Technologies (USA)
• Neogen Corporation (USA)
• Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg)
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (USA)
• QIAGEN N.V. (Germany)
• Mérieux NutriSciences (France)
• Fapon Biotech Inc. (China)
• Luminex Corporation (USA)
• IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (USA)
• Testo SE & Co. KGaA (Germany)
• Hudson Robotics (USA)
• Enigma Diagnostics (UK)
• Sygnis AG (Germany)
• Hyris Ltd. (UK)
• Biocontrol Systems Inc. (USA)
• Chemtura Corporation (USA)
• Neogen Corporation (USA)
• Silliker Inc. (USA)
• Scharlab S.L. (Spain)
• Romer Labs Inc. (Austria)
• Genomatica Inc. (USA), and Other Active Players.

Key Industry Development:

• In April 2023, Eurofins USA announced its acquisition of Rheonix, a move that enhances our microbiology laboratory network. This strategic partnership integrates the Rheonix Listeria PatternAlert Assay, a cutting-edge solution for detecting Listeria in food and environmental samples. The addition of this advanced assay reinforces Eurofins' commitment to delivering superior testing and safety solutions, supporting our clients with more precise and efficient microbiological analysis. We look forward to leveraging this acquisition to further enhance our service offerings and maintain the highest standards in laboratory testing.
• In August 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the global leader in serving science, proudly announced the successful acquisition of CorEvitas, LLC for $912.5 million in cash. CorEvitas, a premier provider of regulatory-grade, real-world evidence for approved medical treatments and therapies, will now be part of Thermo Fisher’s extensive portfolio. This strategic acquisition, completed by Audax Private Equity, enhances Thermo Fisher's capabilities in delivering critical insights and data-driven solutions to advance medical research and healthcare outcomes. By integrating CorEvitas’ expertise, Thermo Fisher continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing science and improving global health.