Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Outlook, 2029

The food pathogen testing market has evolved significantly over the past few decades, tracing its origins to early food safety concerns and the subsequent development of microbiological testing methods. Historically, the rise in foodborne illnesses and outbreaks prompted regulatory bodies and food producers to implement stringent testing protocols to ensure food safety and protect public health. Special aspects of this market include the use of advanced technologies such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), immunoassays, and next-generation sequencing, which provide rapid, accurate, and comprehensive detection of pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Factors driving the growth of the food pathogen testing market include increasing global food trade, stringent food safety regulations, heightened consumer awareness about food safety, and the need to prevent economic losses due to contaminated food products. According to the research report, “Global Food Pathogen Testing Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to cross USD 30 Billion by 2029. To minimize and eventually eradicate foodborne illnesses brought on by bacteria, viruses, and other foodborne pathogens, food pathogen testing is essential. Foodborne disease is caused by approximately 31 recognized viruses and bacteria as well as additional unknown factors. To guarantee food safety and sanitation, pathogen testing is a procedure that is used at every stage of food manufacturing, including food packing. The most frequent foodborne infections are brought on by E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Food pathogen testing can be carried out utilizing cutting-edge techniques or technologies like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and others, in addition to the traditional cell culture standard approach. To reduce the number of foodborne illness cases, the food industry as a whole wants to eradicate foodborne microorganisms. Food manufacturers frequently use food pathogen testing to guarantee food safety and to meet the government-imposed standards for food safety. Food pathogen testing will become more and more necessary as foodborne illness rates rise and concerns about food safety grow. Further driving the expected growth of the global food pathogen testing market are the growing number of food recalls and strict restrictions imposed by regulatory organizations for pathogen testing. Nonetheless, the lack of technological know-how among small businesses can impede the market's expansion. Manufacturers of food pathogen testing are likely to benefit greatly from the increasing need for sensitive and quick technologies for testing food products for pathogens, as well as from the progress of food pathogen testing technology. However, the absence of consistent guidelines for food safety could hinder the market's expansion.

Market Drivers Cross-contamination of food refers to the unintended transfer of germs, chemical pollutants (including allergens), or other foreign material from food, people, or objects to another food product. Usually, it happens between allergen-containing and allergen-free items, or between raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. When dangerous bacteria are transferred to RTE goods that do not undergo extra processing to eliminate bacteria, cross-contamination can lead to food poisoning. There is always a chance of cross-contamination throughout the food supply chain. The first step is handling raw food improperly, as it usually contains a lot of bacteria. These dangerous germs are then spread from one person, item, or location to another by neglecting food hygiene precautions including washing your hands after handling raw food, equipment, cooked goods, or from another food worker. Contaminants in the production area might also come from workers, the land, water, air, dirty equipment, clothes, and surfaces that come into touch with food. Over the years, there have been multiple foodborne illness outbreaks. Most of them are said to be caused by handling food incorrectly. One of the main causes of foodborne infections is cross-contamination. Foodborne illness is a significant global health concern that arises from the spread of pathogenic microorganisms via cross-contamination. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 600 million people globally are impacted by foodborne illnesses each year. Furthermore, as trade becomes more globalized, there is a greater chance that food exported or traded between countries will get contaminated. The Multistate Salmonella Poona Outbreak associated with cucumbers is one of the most noteworthy outbreaks caused by Salmonella in 2016. This outbreak affected at least 720 persons, 204 of whom required hospitalization. The pathogen was dispersed through contact between the cucumbers and the transportation crates, according to FDA data. Another event in China connected to an egg-fried rice outbreak was caused by Salmonella. In January 2022, diarrhea, fever, stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting were reported in at least 220 cases of illness. The cooked egg fried rice was put in previously used basins that still held egg secretions, according to the explanation provided by the authorities for the incident. Market Challenges Validating test results is a challenge for food safety testing systems currently in use. The challenges lie, among other things, in technology's weaknesses in assessing complex products like processed food and in its inability to produce pertinent results. Inadequate food safety testing methods can produce false-negative results, allowing potentially contaminated final commodities to be released. Therefore, for an application to be deemed successful, food safety testing must be standardized and meet a set of requirements. There are several difficulties in using chemical and microbiological testing for evaluating food safety. In the area of chemical testing, for example, it has been discovered that certain environmental pollutants that find their way into the food chain, such as dioxin and PCBs, can be hazardous at as low as one part per trillion (ppt), which is like to trying to find a needle in a haystack. Because of the sensitivity needed to detect such minute amounts of these chemicals, the current methods for their detection are labor-intensive and costly. Different definitions exist for the term ""standard."" It could allude to a set of specifications for a specific food. like the EU's quality standards and the US's identification standards. It can be a reference to any of the legal specifications found in Codex Alimentarius. The requirements for food safety procedures, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), are the main focus of these private food safety standards. Another private standard that resembles auditing schemes such as BRC, IFS, and SQF is ISO 22000, which is related to FSSC 22000. While retailers usually utilize the others, food producers are the primary users of ISO. Ineffective communication and cooperation between legislators and scientists, as well as the lack of a clear, open mechanism between the two groups, constitute a major obstacle to harmonizing food safety rules. To keep food regulations current with scientific discoveries, improvements, and changes, it is imperative to emphasize the need to adopt generally accepted [scientific facts] into the legislation as they occur. Having globally harmonized food safety standards is also being delayed by the absence of defined legal terminology. Understanding that terminology can have distinct meanings and applications in different languages and countries is crucial. Such misconceptions could put obstacles in the food trade; the main obstacle in the market for food pathogen testing is that, while the acts performed are the same, they are only portrayed differently. Ambiguity has resulted from the increasing multiplicity of national standards for food safety management. These requirements for food safety must be harmonized. Leading food-related companies are becoming more and more aware of the expenses and inefficiencies resulting from the creation of several food safety regulations. To verify adherence to governmental regulatory laws, audits are carried out. When redundant standards and audits increase the overall cost of food certification without improving or guaranteeing the overall safety of food, neither ingredient suppliers, retailers, nor food service firms benefit. Industry professionals frequently recommend reducing the number of food laws to a unified and harmonized set to improve efficiency. Government and commercial sector partners should collaborate to develop clear and consistent food certification standards to remove duplication and overlap among the various standards. Trade barriers will disappear with harmonization, and the needless destruction of nutritious food will end. To make it work, food safety training, education, and communication all need to be improved. Food safety information needs to be conveyed in a way that is truthful and easy for the public and politicians to grasp, empowering them to fight disinformation. Market Trends

Concerns about food safety and the prevalence of foodborne illnesses are growing, which is driving up demand for efficient and cutting-edge food pathogen testing techniques. If foodborne pathogens including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others are allowed to proliferate in food products, they could endanger people. Time-consuming traditional techniques of testing for food pathogens are making technologically advanced processes more and more necessary. To effectively monitor for food pathogens in food products, new methods are being developed. As a result, technical developments are crucial to the food pathogen testing industry because they guarantee food safety and lower the incidence of foodborne illness, both of which are predicted to boost the market for food pathogen testing. Based on the report, the Type segment is segmented into Coli, Salmonella, Listeria & others. Coli segment is leading in the Food Pathogen Testing market due to increasing incidences of foodborne illnesses associated with this pathogen, necessitating stringent testing protocols to ensure food safety. In the food pathogen testing market, the E. coli (Escherichia coli) sub-segment is experiencing notable growth due to several critical factors. E. coli bacteria are known pathogens that can cause severe foodborne illnesses, making their detection essential in ensuring food safety. The rise in consumer awareness and stringent regulatory standards globally has heightened the demand for robust testing methods capable of accurately identifying E. coli contaminants in food products. Technological advancements in molecular biology, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), have significantly enhanced the sensitivity and speed of E. coli detection. These methods allow food producers and testing laboratories to swiftly and reliably identify E. coli strains, thereby preventing outbreaks and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Moreover, the prevalence of E. coli outbreaks in various food products has underscored the need for comprehensive testing across the food supply chain. From fresh produce to processed foods, the E. coli sub-segment's growth is driven by its critical role in safeguarding public health and maintaining consumer confidence in food safety standards. As foodborne illness outbreaks continue to draw public attention, the demand for effective E. coli testing solutions is expected to further propel the growth of this market segment, reinforcing its importance in the broader landscape of food pathogen testing. Based on the report, the Food- type segment is segmented into Meat & poultry, Dairy, Processed foods, Fruits & vegetables & others. The Meat & Poultry segment is estimated to grow at a higher growth rate in the Food Pathogen testing market due to heightened consumer awareness about food safety risks associated with these products, prompting stricter regulatory requirements and increased testing to ensure contamination-free meat and poultry products. The Meat & Poultry sub-segment in the food pathogen testing market is experiencing significant growth driven by several compelling factors. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and informed about food safety risks, there is a heightened demand for rigorous testing of meat and poultry products. These food items are susceptible to contamination by pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses if consumed. Regulatory bodies worldwide are also tightening their standards for meat and poultry safety, necessitating comprehensive testing protocols throughout the supply chain. This regulatory scrutiny, coupled with high-profile outbreaks and recalls in recent years, has underscored the importance of effective pathogen testing to mitigate risks and ensure consumer confidence. Moreover, advancements in testing technologies, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and rapid microbial detection systems, have improved the speed and accuracy of pathogen detection in meat and poultry. This enables producers and regulatory agencies to detect contaminants swiftly, preventing contaminated products from reaching consumers and minimizing public health risks. Overall, the growth of the Meat & Poultry sub-segment in the food pathogen testing market reflects a proactive approach by industry stakeholders to enhance food safety standards and meet evolving consumer expectations for safe and high-quality food products. North America is leading the Food Pathogen testing market due to stringent food safety regulations, advanced testing technologies, and a well-established food industry infrastructure. APAC is the fastest-growing market driven by increasing food trade, rising food safety awareness, and expanding regulatory frameworks to address foodborne illnesses. Both regions benefit from ongoing technological advancements and heightened consumer demand for safe food products. North America takes the lead in the food pathogen testing market thanks to its stringent regulatory standards, cutting-edge technology adoption, and robust infrastructure supporting food safety initiatives. The region's rigorous regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and USDA, mandate comprehensive testing protocols to ensure food products meet high safety standards, thereby fostering a culture of rigorous testing and compliance among food producers. Advanced technologies like PCR and next-generation sequencing further bolster North America's capabilities in rapid and accurate pathogen detection, enhancing consumer trust and safety. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region emerges as the fastest-growing market in food pathogen testing driven by its rapid economic growth, burgeoning food trade, and increasing awareness of food safety issues. APAC countries are ramping up efforts to modernize food safety regulations and infrastructure to meet global standards, spurred by rising consumer expectations for safe and high-quality food products. The region's proactive stance on food safety, coupled with advancements in testing technologies and increasing government investments, fuels the rapid expansion of the food pathogen testing market in APAC. This dynamic landscape underscores APAC's pivotal role in shaping the future of food safety and innovation on a global scale. SGS opened a new food analysis lab in Mexico City in July 2022. The newly constructed laboratory helps food firms monitor and control food quality. A laboratory testing company called Burea Veritas announced the opening of a new microbiological facility in the US in May 2022. The lab tests for pathogens and provides microbiology information for the agri-food sector. A food quality, sustainability, and safety company called Mérieux NutriSciences announced in April 2022 that it had acquired Laboratories Bromatological Araba. With this acquisition, the company is expanding its market share in South Africa for pesticides. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Food Pathogen Testing Market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Type • Coli • Salmonella • Listeria • Others By Food Type • Meat & Poultry • Dairy • Processed food • Fruits & vegetables By Treatment Process • Traditional microbiology • Immunodiagnostics • Molecular Diagnostics • Analytical Chemistry By Region • North America • Europe • Asia Pacific • Rest of the world The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Food Pathogen Testing industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. ?