PUBLISHER: Mordor Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1536801
PUBLISHER: Mordor Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1536801
The Food Allergen Testing Market size is estimated at USD 0.89 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.42% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
With the growing intolerance of allergen food products, such as gluten and dairy, manufacturers tend to test the products for safety, tracing allergens in packaged and processed food products. Furthermore, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing strict food safety regulations to protect consumers from allergen exposure. Therefore, companies require robust allergen testing solutions to adhere to stringent food testing and safety protocols. Moreover, with increasing consumer awareness about food labeling, companies are investing in food allergen testing to validate their food labels and build consumer trust. Players are also forming mergers and acquisitions with other laboratories to develop their testing properties. For instance, in 2022, Eurofins Scientific acquired majority stakes in Ajal Laboratories to expand its food and pharmaceutical testing offerings in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Ongoing advancements in testing technologies, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and biosensors, contribute to the growth of the allergen testing market. These technologies provide faster, more sensitive, and specific methods for detecting allergens in food products.
Food allergies are the leading cause of chronic diseases in many countries. Although the causes of allergic reactions have not yet been fully understood, they can be associated with pollution, dietary changes, and less exposure to microbes, which alter the way an immune system responds to certain food ingredients. Food allergies are commonly associated with products containing ingredients such as milk, nuts, gluten, eggs, soy, wheat, and shellfish. According to the data published by ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) in 2023, eight food or food groups, like milk and dairy, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, and soy, account for 90% of food allergy reactions. Depending on the dose, the individual, and other factors, allergic reactions to food can vary from slight to severe and occasionally fatal. Therefore, manufacturers operating in the food and beverage industry are investing in food allergen testing solutions to validate their food labels and ensure food safety.
The growing prevalence of food allergies among the Canadian population is compelling brands to undergo allergen testing processes for packaged products. According to the organization, in 2023, over 3 million Canadians, or 7.5% of the population, were affected by food allergies. It is also estimated that 50% of households were directly or indirectly affected by food allergy; that is, one Canadian household was impacted by food allergy in 2023. Moreover, the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules in the United States profoundly impact food industries, as consumers demand greater transparency regarding food safety. In 2022, the FDA finalized seven major rules to implement FSMA, recognizing that ensuring the safety of food supply is a shared responsibility among many different points in the global supply chain. Therefore, such regulations also lead to product recalls, giving manufacturers the conformity to following rules. For instance, Hans Kissel of Haverhill, MA, recalled its 7-ounce packages of Mexican-style quinoa salad and deli salad in 2024 as the product contains undeclared egg and soy.
The market for food allergens is highly dynamic and intensely competitive. Key players are looking for greater market penetration, especially in developed markets, where regulatory compliance is strict and public awareness regarding food allergens is high. Major global players include SGS SA, Intertek Group PLC, Eurofins Scientific SE, Bureau Veritas SA, and Microbac Laboratories.