Food Allergen Testing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028, Segmented By Test Type (Allergen Testing, Intolerance Testing), By Source (Peanut and Soy, Wheat, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts, Seafood, and Others); By Technology (PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)-Based, Immunoassay Based/ELISA, and Other Tests/Techniques); By Food Type (Bakery and Confectionery, Infant Food, Processed Food, Dairy Products and Alternatives, Seafood and Meat Products, and Other Foods), By Region and Competition

Market Overview

Global Food Allergen Testing Market has valued at USD 740.10 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5.91% through 2028. Food safety and quality are significant concerns within the food manufacturing, retail, and hospitality industries, as they greatly impact productivity. There has been a global increase in food allergies, including the number of allergens, sensitization rate, and prevalence rate. Proper management, testing, and clear labeling of allergens in processed foods are crucial to protect individuals with food allergies in the community. The importance of allergen testing has grown, and testing laboratories play a vital role in detecting these allergens. These laboratories primarily focus on testing foods for the presence of allergens such as soy, dairy, peanut, tree nut, and others.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Cases of Food Allergies

Food allergy has emerged as a significant public health concern, with children being the most vulnerable population group. They are also two to four times more susceptible to other allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema. According to data from Food Allergy Research & Education in 2021, one in ten adults and one in 13 children in America have different food allergies. The increasing prevalence of food allergies has driven the global food allergen testing market reported to medical establishments.

Food allergy affects a larger proportion of children compared to adults, and reactivity to certain allergenic foods, such as milk and egg, tends to be primarily outgrown. On the other hand, allergy to other foods, like peanuts, generally persists. Lactose intolerance is also a condition that is affecting a growing number of people worldwide.

Food testing labs are engaging in mergers and acquisitions with other laboratories to enhance their testing capabilities. For example, in June 2022, Eurofins Scientific acquired majority stakes in Ajal Laboratories to expand its food and pharmaceutical testing offerings in Saudi Arabia.

The increasing number of food allergy cases has prompted public health authorities worldwide to take significant measures to mitigate allergic reactions and their consequences. Government support, awareness campaigns, private sector initiatives, and participation from other stakeholders have elevated the prominence of food allergies among all other types of allergies.

Consumer Awareness and Demand for Label Transparency

Consumer awareness of food allergies and the desire for label transparency have increased significantly. As consumers become more conscious of allergen risks, they demand clear and accurate allergen labeling on food products, which drives the need for robust allergen testing methods.

Various food categories, including baby foods, bakery and confectionery, dairy, beverages, convenience goods, and meat products, can potentially trigger allergies. This has led to the growth of the food allergen testing market. Additionally, due to substandard animal feed, there is a risk of meat causing allergies in humans. Despite the food and beverages industry witnessing an increased demand for animal feed additives to enhance feed quality, the food intolerance testing market remains crucial in addressing meat-related allergies.

While more than 170 foods are known to cause allergies in sensitive individuals, the USDA and the FDA have identified eight major allergenic foods based on the 2004 FALCPA (the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act).

Growing international Food Trade

The globalization of the food supply chain has increased the complexity of allergen management for manufacturers and importers. As food products are distributed across borders, allergen testing becomes crucial to comply with different countries' regulations and protect consumers from allergen exposure.

Ongoing advancements in food allergen testing technologies have made testing more efficient, sensitive, and accurate. New methods, such as PCR-based tests, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), have improved the detection and quantification of allergenic proteins.

Increased Government Regulations

High-profile food recalls related to undeclared allergens or allergens cross-contamination have increased awareness of the importance of accurate allergen testing and have spurred the implementation of stricter testing protocols in the industry. Food allergen management systems, including allergen testing, are becoming an integral part of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

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Key Market Challenges

Stringent Food Safety Regulations

Numerous obstacles impede the accurate diagnosis of food allergies (FA) in developing regions. Evidence suggests that parents and healthcare workers in these areas lack sufficient knowledge about food allergies, and in vitro diagnostic tests are not easily accessible. Early diagnosis of FA is crucial for prognosis and proper nutritional management. However, even in developed countries, there is a reported diagnostic lag of four months, particularly in infants with less severe manifestations of non-IgE mediated milk allergy. This situation is likely worse in developing countries, as Aguilar-Jasso et al. discovered a 38-month delay in the diagnosis of FA in North-Western Mexico.

The lack of food control infrastructure and resources in developing countries, as well as technical difficulties in sampling, testing, and protein identification, are expected to hinder market growth. Currently, Middle Eastern and African countries, along with other low-income nations, face limitations due to low awareness about food allergens and intolerance testing. Additionally, the lack of government initiatives, poor economies, and overall lack of awareness among individuals regarding food-related allergies will impede the market's progress. Nevertheless, every country must adhere to guidelines established by different authorities, which may pose challenges to the growth of the global food allergens and intolerance testing market.

Lack of Standardization

The absence of standardized methods and reference materials for allergen testing can create variability in results between different testing laboratories and methods. Standardization is essential for ensuring consistency and reliability in allergen testing across the food industry.

Detecting allergens in food products, especially at trace levels, can be difficult. Cross-contamination during food processing or inadequate cleaning of equipment may lead to allergen presence in foods, making it challenging to ensure accurate allergen testing.

Key Market Trends

Rapid Testing Methods

There was a growing demand for rapid allergen testing methods that provide quick and accurate results. These methods allowed for faster decision-making in food production and distribution, enabling timely recalls or corrective actions if allergens were detected.

Advancements in testing technologies were leading to improved sensitivity and specificity in allergen detection. High sensitivity allowed for the detection of allergens at lower concentrations, while high specificity reduced the risk of false positives. Point-of-care allergen testing devices and kits were emerging, allowing for on-site testing at food processing facilities and restaurants. Point-of-care testing offered real-time results, facilitating rapid decision-making and allergen management.

Technological Advancement for Testing

Next-generation sequencing technologies were increasingly explored for allergen testing, providing a comprehensive analysis of food samples and the identification of multiple allergenic proteins simultaneously.

Remote sensing and imaging technologies were investigated for their potential to detect allergens in food products without the need for physical sample collection and testing.

The food allergen testing market saw a shift towards digitalization and data management solutions. These technologies facilitated the storage, analysis, and retrieval of allergen testing data, ensuring better traceability and transparency in the supply chain.

Segmental Insights

Test Type Insights

The increasing prevalence of food allergies among consumers has heightened health consciousness, leading to advancements in food allergen testing methods and driving the growth of this segment. For instance, according to the CDC/National Center for Health Statistics in 2023, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children reported having a food allergy. Furthermore, approximately 6% of U.S. adults and children have a food allergy, which further propels the growth of this segment throughout the projected period.

Source Type Insights

Peanut and soy are anticipated to garner increased attention in the source segment of the global food allergen testing market, given that peanut allergy is the most prevalent and frequently encountered allergy across all age groups. On the other hand, soy allergy is more commonly observed in children and infants. When peanuts enter the body, some individuals' immune systems overreact and perceive the peanut protein as a threat, resulting in peanut allergy. This allergic reaction can manifest as irregular breathing rate, throat swelling with pain, sudden drop in blood pressure, pale skin or blue lips, fainting, and dizziness, potentially leading to severe consequences. Notably, peanut allergy is most prevalent in the United States, affecting 1 in 250 children and 1 in 70 adults. Furthermore, the incidence of peanut allergy in the US has tripled due to the consumption of counterfeit peanuts, although the exact cause remains unclear.

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Regional Insights

The North American food safety testing market is a prominent regional market for food safety testing. The prevalence of food poisoning and foodborne diseases in the region contributes to the market's growth. Salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and listeria are common pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. Salmonella can infect vegetables, chicken, eggs, beef, and pork, while campylobacter is primarily transmitted through chicken. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people in the United States are affected by food poisoning each year. Among them, 128,000 require hospitalization, and 3,000 succumb to foodborne diseases annually. As a result, consumers in the region are increasingly demanding accountability in food safety. The growing demand for enhanced food safety, along with the implementation of government regulations like the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), is driving the market's growth in the United States.

Recent Developments

September 2021: SGS SA inaugurated the Advance Center of Testing (ACT) at its laboratory premises in Ambattur, Chennai, India. The ACT offers prompt and precise services to the agriculture and food industries.

April 2022: Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, is pleased to announce the acquisitions of Hortec Pty Ltd (“Hortec”) in South Africa and Laboratorios Bromatológicos Araba, S.A. (“Aralab”) in Spain. Hortec Pty Ltd specializes in testing for pesticide residues in fresh produce and other undesirable or regulated residues in various food commodities, while Laboratorios Bromatológicos Araba, S.A. is renowned for its comprehensive microbiology, chemistry, and consulting services.

In December 2020, Eurofins Scientific introduced the SENSI Strip Allergen product range, enabling the detection of food allergens in packaged food products. This strategic product launch significantly enhanced the company's product portfolio.

April 2021: SGS SA announced that the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has expanded the scope of its accreditation to include the SGS laboratory in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. This expansion encompasses the testing of ethylene oxide (EtO) and ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) residues in herbs, spices, condiments, plant derivatives, and oilseeds.

In October 2020, NEOGEN Corporation unveiled a novel food extraction method to broaden the capabilities of Reveal 3-D food allergen tests for direct testing of food products. The new Reveal 3-D product enables swift screening of food and ingredient samples, with buffer options available for egg, coconut, hazelnut, soy, peanut, and almond tests. This impactful product release facilitated the expansion of the company's food safety product portfolio.

Key Market Players

• 3M
• Als Limited
• Asurequality Limited
• Auriga Research
• Bureau Veritas
• Eurofins Scientific Se
• Intertek Group Plc
• Merieux Nutrisciences
• Microbac Laboratories Inc
• Neogen Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Food Allergen Testing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

            ·         Food Allergen Testing Market, By Test Type:

o   Allergen Testing

o   Intolerance Testing

            ·         Food Allergen Testing Market, By Source:

o   Peanut and Soy

o   Wheat

o   Milk

o   Egg

o   Tree Nuts

o   Seafood

o   Others

            ·         Food Allergen Testing Market, By Technology:

o   PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)-Based

o   Immunoassay Based/ELISA

o   Other Tests/Techniques

            ·         Food Allergen Testing Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Kuwait

§  Turkey

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Food Allergen Testing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Food Allergen Testing Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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