Top 10 Food Safety Testing and Technologies Trends Market

The global food safety testing and technologies trends market size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2%, reaching USD 22.7 billion in 2023 and USD 33.7 billion by the end of 2028. The globalization of the food supply chain is a significant trend that has transformed the way food products are produced, distributed, and consumed worldwide. It refers to the increasing interconnectedness of food production, processing, and distribution on a global scale. This trend has several implications for food safety, including the need for standardized pathogen testing.  Strategic developments such as expansions, new product launches, and agreements have been adopted by most key players to strengthen their market presence.

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Market Dynamics

Availability of advanced rapid technology

Manufacturers of food products have multiple testing methods at their disposal to ensure the safety of their products. Various analytical techniques are used to perform chemical testing, including traditional "wet chemical" methods, as well as advanced techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. When combined with liquid or gas chromatography, mass spectrometry is the preferred chemical test method as it can detect low concentrations of analyses in complex food matrices.

When it comes to analyzing the microbiology of food, traditional methods involve using selective agars or other biochemical assays. However, DNA-based and biomolecular analytical methods are becoming increasingly popular for testing food safety. These techniques can detect food allergies and potentially harmful bacteria, among other substances. They also provide an efficient way to verify claims about animal or fish-based food sources, which can help combat fraudulent activity and counterfeiting. Unfortunately, microbiological tests and culturing technologies can take two to four days to complete, making them time-consuming. Rapid testing methods are gaining popularity because they generate results within a few hours, which is crucial for ensuring quality and driving the global food pathogen testing market's growth.

In the food industry, accuracy and speed are crucial in preventing and containing the spread of foodborne diseases through microbiological testing. Many scientific techniques are developed and continuously innovated to meet these criteria. Recently, real-time results can be obtained to detect the presence of potentially harmful microbial contaminants in food matrices, albeit with some restrictions. In contrast, traditional culture-based methods take several days to process, delaying decisions on the safety of food products and the need for further investigation. Rapid testing methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassay-based techniques, and chromatography & spectrometry are used to ensure timely analysis of larger sample sizes, reducing the time for food pathogen testing. Moreover, advanced technologies like immunoassay and chromatography & spectrometry can detect food contaminants of biological and chemical origin, leading to increased adoption and driving the market for food pathogen testing.

Scientists and researchers are constantly discovering new and improved methods for testing food pathogens, both chemically and microbiologically. These methods are becoming more efficient and faster, allowing for several compounds to be analyzed in a single test run. The use of techniques such as QuEChERS has also made sample preparation easier and more automated. QuEChERS-based preparations do not require pre-concentration processes and only need minimal extract clean-up, making them the preferred method for evaluating pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. This technique has also been expanded to include testing for other contaminants like antibiotics and substances found in various food matrices, such as meat, fish, and wine. Advancements in gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry equipment and associated software tools have shown great potential for non-targeted testing and detection of both known and unidentified chemical contaminants and environmental pollutants in the food supply chain.

Restraints: Complexity in testing techniques

The increasing complexity in testing techniques poses a significant restraint for the food and water safety testing industry. While these advanced techniques offer improved accuracy and sensitivity, they can be costly to implement, require highly skilled personnel, and demand more time for analysis. Many advanced testing methods, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for pathogen detection or mass spectrometry for chemical analysis, require a high level of expertise to operate and interpret results accurately. Skilled personnel are needed to manage and maintain these sophisticated instruments, which can be a challenge for smaller laboratories or regions with a shortage of trained professionals.

The complexity of food and water matrices means that multiple testing techniques are often necessary to detect a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, allergens, chemical residues, and toxins. Coordinating and managing this array of methods adds complexity to testing regimes and can lead to logistical challenges. This complexity can lead to higher testing costs, delays in results, and resource constraints for both regulatory bodies and food industry stakeholders. Striking a balance between the benefits of advanced testing techniques and the practicality of implementation is a continual challenge in ensuring food and water safety.

Furthermore, some advanced testing methods may not be readily available or accessible in all geographic regions, especially in developing countries. This can result in disparities in food safety testing capabilities and hinder global efforts to ensure the safety of food and water supplies.

Opportunity: The Post-COVID-19 Surge in Food and Water Safety Concerns

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a profound shift in consumer priorities, with a marked increase in concern regarding food and water safety. This heightened awareness of health and safety has opened a remarkable window of opportunity for the food and water safety testing industry. Consumers now place a stronger emphasis on products that are rigorously tested and certified as safe for consumption, a trend that is expected to persist. Furthermore, the pandemic has triggered a reevaluation of food and water safety at every stage of the supply chain. Governments and regulatory bodies are responding with stricter regulations and standards, creating a growing demand for testing and compliance services. The need for supply chain resilience has also come into focus, with safety testing playing a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of products from farm to table. Consumers are demanding greater transparency in the food supply chain, seeking information on the origin and production of their food and water, as well as its compliance with safety standards. This aligns seamlessly with the food safety testing industry's core objectives. Moreover, technology has rapidly advanced within the industry, offering innovative solutions such as rapid testing methods, automation, and digital tools that make safety testing more accessible and cost-effective. The surge in food and water safety concerns presents significant opportunities for the industry in emerging markets. As economies grow and middle-class populations expand, there is considerable potential for investment and growth in regions seeking to bolster food safety standards. Global collaboration is on the rise, with stakeholders worldwide working together to establish universal safety standards and best practices. This interconnected approach will shape the industry's future. So, the post-COVID-19 landscape offers a pivotal moment for the food and water safety testing industry. By embracing technology, expanding services, and advocating the importance of safety testing, stakeholders can not only contribute to public health protection but also experience substantial growth in an evolving and dynamic market.

Challenges: High cost associated with procurement of food safety testing equipment

One of the most pressing challenges confronting the food and water safety testing industry is the high cost associated with procuring advanced testing equipment. Ensuring the safety and quality of food and water products demands state-of-the-art technology and precision testing methods. However, this need for cutting-edge equipment often comes with a substantial financial burden. For many smaller laboratories, startups, or businesses with limited resources, the cost of acquiring and maintaining advanced testing equipment can be a significant barrier to entry. This financial constraint not only limits their ability to participate in the industry but also hinders their capacity to compete with more established players. Even for established stakeholders, the high procurement costs can strain budgets and present an ongoing financial challenge. These organizations often face the dilemma of needing to make capital investments in costly equipment to maintain the highest standards of food and water safety. Consequently, the adoption of newer, more effective testing methods may be slowed down due to these financial constraints.

Market EcoSystem

The GMO food safety testing segment is projected to be the fastest growing in the food safety testing market during the forecast period.

The GMO food safety testing market is currently witnessing the fastest growth within the broader food safety testing market. This accelerated growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of GM crops, driven by the need for higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved environmental sustainability in agriculture. With the proliferation of GM crops, there is a growing imperative for rigorous safety testing to ensure these products are safe for human consumption and the environment. Stringent regulatory requirements, consumer concerns, and the necessity for comprehensive testing to meet both international and domestic standards have all contributed to the remarkable expansion of the GMO food safety testing market, making it one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving segments in the field of food safety testing.

The PCR-based testing segment is projected to dominate the GMO food safety market during the forecast period.

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) based testing segment is currently dominating the GMO food testing market for several compelling reasons. PCR-based methods are highly precise, sensitive, and specific in detecting the presence of specific DNA sequences, which makes them particularly effective in identifying genetically modified ingredients in food products. This technology offers the advantage of rapid results, enabling quick and efficient screening of large batches of food items. As the demand for accurate GMO food testing continues to rise, PCR-based methods have become the gold standard in ensuring compliance with labeling regulations and meeting consumer expectations for transparency and safety in the food industry.

Fruits and vegetables testing is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the pesticide residue testing market during the forecast period.

The fruit and vegetables segment is currently dominating the pesticide residue testing market due to several compelling factors. As consumer awareness of pesticide-related health concerns grows, the demand for safe and residue-free fruits and vegetables has surged. This has led to stringent regulations and standards for pesticide residue levels, which the industry must adhere to. The fruit and vegetables sector has experienced a substantial increase in testing activities to ensure compliance with these regulations. Additionally, the rising popularity of organic produce and the need to verify claims of pesticide-free products have further bolstered the demand for pesticide residue testing in this segment. As a result, it continues to be a pivotal and thriving market within the broader food safety testing industry.

Asia Pacific region emerged as the fastest-growing region during the forecast period

Asia Pacific region is poised to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period in various industries and sectors. This robust expansion can be attributed to several factors, including rapid urbanization, burgeoning middle-class populations, and increasing consumer demand for a wide range of goods and services. As a result, Asia Pacific presents a fertile ground for market opportunities and investments, attracting both domestic and international businesses. The region's dynamic economic landscape, combined with the adoption of new technologies, innovations, and government initiatives, has fueled this accelerated growth, making it a pivotal region to watch for business expansion and market development in 2023 and beyond.

Key Market Players

Key players in the food safety testing market include SGS Société Générale De Surveillance SA (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas (France), Intertek Group PLC (UK), Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg), and ALS (Australia).

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Scope of the Report

This research report provides the top 10 food safety and testing technologies trends market such as:

• Food safety testing
• GMO food safety testing
• Food pathogen testing
• Meat speciation testing
• Food authenticity testing
• Pesticide residue testing
• Mycotoxin testing
• Allergen testing
• Water testing and analysis
• Bottled water testing equipment market

Recent Developments:

1. In May 2023, SGS entered a partnership with Eezytrace. The collaboration with Eezytrace strengthened the testing, inspection, and certification services of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA (Switzerland).
2. In April 2023, Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg) acquired Rheonix. This partnership enables Eurofins to include the Rheonix Listeria PatternAlert Assay in their microbiology laboratory network.
3. In March 2023, SGS acquired Asmecruz Laboratory. The acquisition will enhance SGS’s capabilities in the field of seafood testing, strengthening its position as a trusted provider of quality and safety services for the seafood industry.
4. In March 2022, Bureau Veritas opened its fifth Canadian Microbiology Laboratory located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The new laboratory will offer Rapid Pathogen testing (E.coli O157:H7, Salmonella & Listeria), as well as Indicators (Generic E.coli/Coliforms, Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold).
5. In July 2021, Intertek Group acquired Brazil-based JLA Brasil Laboratório de Análises de Alimentos SA ('JLA'), one of the leading providers of food, agriculture, and environmental testing solutions. This acquisition will help Intertek enhance its food safety testing service portfolio for Brazilian customers.

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