Europe Food Safety Testing Market By Product Type (Pathogens, Pesticides, GMOs, Mycotoxin, Allergens, Heavy Metals, and Others), By Technology (Traditional, Rapid, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Convenience-based, Immunoassay, Chromatography ANd Spectrometry, and Others ), By Food Tested (Meat And Poultry, Seafood,  Dairy And Dairy Product,  Cereals, Grains, And Pulses,  Fruits And Vegetable ,  Processed Food, and  Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Europe Food Safety Testing Market size is expected to be worth around USD 17.00 Billion by 2033, from USD 8.63 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

The Europe Food Safety Testing Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing concerns over foodborne illnesses, stringent food safety regulations, and rising consumer demand for safe and healthy food products. Food safety testing involves various methods such as microbiological testing, chemical testing, and sensory testing to detect contaminants such as pathogens, pesticides, allergens, and heavy metals in food products.

The market is primarily fueled by the growing food industry, where companies are investing in robust testing methods to ensure product quality and compliance with EU regulations, particularly in countries such as Germany, France, and the UK. Additionally, the rise of food recalls and consumer awareness of food safety risks have led to a higher adoption of rapid testing technologies and advanced analytical techniques in the region. The increasing focus on organic and processed foods is also contributing to market growth, as manufacturers seek to meet consumer preferences and regulatory standards for food safety.

Key Takeaways

• The Europe food safety testing market was valued at US$ 8.63 Bn in 2024.
• The Europe food safety testing market is projected to reach US$ 17.0 Bn by 2034.
• Among types of food safety testings, the pathogens type held the majority of the revenue share at 6%.
• Based on technology, traditional accounted for the largest market share with 5%.
• Among food tested, meat & poultry, seafood accounted for the majority of the food safety testing market share with 0%.
• Among countries, Germany held the major market share of 22.6% as of

Product Type Analysis

Pathogens Held The Major Share Owing To Its Wide Applications

European food safety testing market is segmented based on product type into pathogens, pesticides, GMOs, mycotoxin, allergens, heavy metals, & others. Among these, pathogens type held the majority of revenue share in 2024, with a market share of 53.6% primarily due to the significant public health concerns surrounding foodborne illnesses.

Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter are the leading causes of foodborne diseases in Europe, resulting in thousands of illnesses and hospitalizations each year. This has prompted both consumers and regulatory authorities to place a high priority on detecting and preventing pathogen contamination in food products.

The European Union enforces stringent food safety regulations, including the EU Food Law and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines, which mandate regular testing for pathogens in food products. This regulatory pressure, coupled with increasing consumer awareness about food safety, drives the demand for microbiological testing. Testing for pathogens is critical not only to meet legal compliance but also to ensure consumer health and avoid costly product recalls. The rise in global food trade further complicates food safety, making the detection of pathogens in imported food a critical concern.

Europe Food Safety Testing Market, By Product Type, 2020-2024 (USD Mn)

Technology Analysis

Traditional Testing Dominated the Europe Food Safety Testing Market

Based on technology, the market is segmented into traditional, rapid, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), convenience-based, immunoassay, chromatography & spectrometry, others. Among these products, traditional accounted for the majority of the market share with 54.5% can be attributed to its widespread adoption, cost-effectiveness, and reliability in various applications. Traditional methods, such as culture-based techniques and biochemical assays, have been the gold standard for decades, providing accurate and reproducible results.

Despite the emergence of advanced technologies such as PCR and immunoassays, traditional techniques remain popular due to their ability to detect a broad range of contaminants with high specificity. Moreover, they require minimal specialized equipment, making them accessible to laboratories and industries with limited resources, particularly in developing regions.

Regulatory bodies also continue to endorse traditional testing methods due to their established validation, further strengthening their market position. Additionally, industries such as food safety, pharmaceuticals, and environmental testing rely on traditional approaches for routine quality control and compliance with international standards. These factors collectively contribute to the continued dominance of traditional technology in the market.

Europe Food Safety Testing Market, By Technology, 2020-2024 (USD Mn)

Food Tested Analysis

Meat & Poultry Has Dominated The Europe’s Safety Testing Market

The food safety testing market in Europe was further categorized based on food tested such meat & poultry, seafood, dairy & dairy product, cereals, grains, & pulses, fruits & vegetable, processed food, others. Among these, meat & poultry accounted for the largest market share of 33.0% as of 2024 due to the high susceptibility of these products to contamination and stringent regulatory requirements. Meat and poultry products are particularly prone to bacterial contamination, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses.

The perishable nature of these products necessitates rigorous microbiological testing, pathogen detection, and quality control measures to ensure consumer safety. Additionally, rising meat consumption, coupled with growing concerns over antibiotic residues, hormone levels, and fraudulent meat adulteration, has driven the demand for extensive safety testing.

The European Union’s strict food safety regulations, including the General Food Law (EC 178/2002) and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), further mandate frequent testing of meat and poultry products. As a result, testing service providers and food manufacturers prioritize safety assessments, reinforcing meat & poultry’s dominant market position.

Europe Food Safety Testing Market, By Food Tested, 2020-2024 (USD Mn)

Key Market Segments

By Type

• Pathogens
  • Salmonella
  • coli
  • Campylobacter
  • Listeria
  • Others
• Pesticides
• GMOs
• Mycotoxin
• Allergens
• Heavy Metals
• Others

By Technology

• Traditional
• Rapid
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Convenience-based
• Immunoassay
• Chromatography & Spectrometry
• Others

By Food Tested

• Meat & Poultry, Seafood
• Dairy & Dairy product
• Cereals, Grains, & Pulses
• Fruits & Vegetable
• Processed Food
• Others

Drivers

Rapid Growth In European Food Industry Is Anticipated to Boost Europe’s Market Growth

The rapid growth of the European food industry is significantly boosting the food safety testing market, driven by increasing food production, rising exports, and evolving consumer preferences for processed and convenience foods. As food manufacturers expand their operations to meet growing demand, the risk of contamination, adulteration, and foodborne illnesses also increases, necessitating stringent safety measures and regulatory compliance.

The EU’s strict food safety regulations, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines, the General Food Law (EC 178/2002), and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) directives, mandate rigorous testing throughout the supply chain. Additionally, the rise in international trade and e-commerce food sales has heightened concerns over cross-border food contamination, further accelerating the need for microbiological testing, allergen detection, and GMO testing. With consumers demanding higher transparency and quality assurance, food manufacturers and retailers are investing heavily in advanced testing technologies, making food safety testing an essential component of the industry’s rapid expansion.

Restraints

High Cost Associated With Food Safety Testing May Hinder Market Growth to A Certain Extent

The high cost associated with food safety testing may hinder market growth to a certain extent, particularly for small and medium-sized food manufacturers that struggle to afford frequent testing. Advanced testing techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), chromatography, and spectroscopy, require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and continuous technological upgrades, all of which contribute to high operational expenses. Compliance with stringent European food safety regulations, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and EU legislation on food contaminants, further adds to the financial burden, especially for businesses operating on thin profit margins.

Moreover, the cost of regular testing increases with the complexity of food products and the diverse range of contaminants, making it difficult for smaller players to maintain compliance. In some cases, high costs may lead to reduced testing frequency, non-compliance risks, or reliance on less-accurate testing methods, potentially compromising food safety and limiting overall market expansion.

Opportunity

Growth of the Plant-Based and Clean Label Trend Will Create Lucrative Opportunities in the Market

Consumers are increasingly seeking out products that are not only healthy but also sustainably Food Testedd and transparent in terms of ingredients. This has led to the rise of plant-based alternatives in categories such as dairy, meat substitutes, and snacks. These products often use alternative sweeteners, including fructose, as part of their ingredient Technologyulations to achieve the desired taste profile without compromising on health or sustainability. The rise of plant-based eating habits aligns well with the use of fructose from Food Testeds such as fruits, sugar beets, and corn, making it a key ingredient in natural, vegan, and organic products.

The clean label movement, which emphasizes minimal, recognizable ingredients and transparency in product labeling, also presents a significant opportunity for fructose. As consumers demand simpler, more transparent ingredient lists, food manufacturers are focusing on removing artificial sweeteners and preservatives from their products. Fructose, derived from natural plant Food Testeds, fits well within this framework, providing manufacturers with an opportunity to market their products as natural and clean while still offering the desired sweetness and functional benefits. Additionally, since fructose can be derived from various plant-based Food Testeds, it allows manufacturers to cater to the increasing consumer demand for products that are both plant-derived and free from synthetic additives.

Trends

Enhanced Production Processes and Sustainability Initiatives Influencing the Market

In response to sustainability concerns, several fructose manufacturers are investing in advanced production technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of fructose manufacturing. These advancements include the adoption of eco-friendly methods that reduce energy consumption and water usage during fructose extraction.

Companies are also focusing on reducing waste by implementing circular economy practices, such as utilizing by-products from fructose production in other industries, including bioplastics and animal feed. Furthermore, some manufacturers are working to improve the efficiency of fructose production through enzymatic processing and fermentation techniques, which not only reduce costs but also make the process more sustainable.

Geopolitical Impact Analysis

Geopolitical tensions have considerably affected the growth of the food safety testing market in Europe, mainly by causing disruptions in supply chains, altering trade policies, and leading to price fluctuations.

Geopolitical tensions have significantly impacted the growth of the Food Safety Testing Market in Europe, primarily through disruptions in supply chains, trade policies, and price volatility. These tensions have led to increased uncertainty in the movement of goods, particularly food products, across borders. Trade restrictions, sanctions, and changing import/export regulations often cause delays and inconsistencies in the availability of raw materials and finished goods, affecting the timely delivery of food products for testing.

Moreover, political instability in neighboring regions can trigger shifts in trade policies, leading to tariffs, regulatory changes, and barriers that further complicate international food trade. This disruption often results in increased costs and price volatility for food producers and suppliers, which can lead to changes in consumer behavior and the types of foods being imported or consumed. Consequently, these challenges can place added pressure on food safety testing systems, making it more difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent quality and compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately slowing the market’s growth.

Key Countries Covered

• Europe
  • Germany
  • K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe

Key Players Analysis

Market Players In The European Food Safety Testing Industry Are Adopting Several Key Strategies To Stay Competitive

To remain competitive in the rapidly evolving European food safety testing industry, market players are employing several key strategies. A major focus is on investing in advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and speed. These innovations enable faster, more reliable results, meeting the growing demand for real-time testing and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent food safety regulations.

Additionally, companies are expanding their service offerings by providing multi-contaminant testing, traceability solutions, and comprehensive safety protocols to cater to a broader range of food products, ensuring thorough quality checks at every stage of the food supply chain.

Market Key Players

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• SGS S.A.
• Eurofins Scientific
• Bureau Veritas
• Intertek Group plc
• TÜV SÜD
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• DNV GL
• ALS Limited
• Neogen Corporation
• NSF International
• Merieux Nutrisciences
• UL LLC
• Fera Science Ltd.
• Romer Labs Division Holding
• Other Key Players

Recent Development

May 2023, SGS and Eezytrace have partnered to transform food safety management in the food service industry. This collaboration aims to enhance food safety and compliance management by offering an integrated approach that combines digital technology with industry expertise. The SGS Eezytrace solution provides a digital platform to automate control activities on site, simplifying daily operations for staff and saving time, allowing them to focus on safety-critical activities and improving food safety culture.

April 2023, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. announced the launch of ID-Check Speciation Solution, providing a real-time PCR method for meat speciation, or the identification of the animal species from which the meat has originated, in food, feed and environmental samples.

March 2022, Bureau Veritas has announced the opening of its fifth Canadian microbiology laboratory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which will offer rapid pathogen testing and microbiology indicator analyses for the food and agri market

Report Scope