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Forecast Period
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2026-2030
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Market Size (2024)
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USD 55.25 Million
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CAGR (2025-2030)
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7.18%
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Fastest Growing Segment
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Pathogens
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Largest Market
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South India
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Market Size (2030)
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USD 83.94 Million
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Market Overview
India Food Safety Testing Market was valued at USD 55.25 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.18% through 2030. The India Food
Safety Testing Market is witnessing significant growth, propelled by the
increasing focus on ensuring the safety and quality of food products across the
country. With a burgeoning population and rising consumer awareness about food
safety, there is a growing demand for robust testing mechanisms to prevent
foodborne illnesses and guarantee the integrity of the food supply chain.
One of the key
drivers of the market is the stringent regulatory framework implemented by the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI plays a crucial
role in setting standards, regulating the manufacturing and distribution of
food products, and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. The Food Safety
Testing Market is directly influenced by these regulations, as food producers
and manufacturers are mandated to adhere to stringent quality and safety
standards.
The market
encompasses a broad spectrum of testing methods and technologies, including
microbiological, chemical, and physical testing. Microbiological testing is
particularly critical for detecting pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and
parasites that can contaminate food and cause foodborne diseases. Chemical
testing focuses on identifying and quantifying various contaminants, such as
pesticides, additives, and residues, ensuring that food products meet safety
standards. Physical testing involves assessing the physical attributes of food
items, such as texture, appearance, and composition.
Increasing
incidents of foodborne illnesses and contamination outbreaks have heightened
public awareness about the importance of food safety. Consumers are becoming
more discerning and are actively seeking products that adhere to stringent
safety standards. This shift in consumer behavior is driving food producers and
manufacturers to invest in advanced testing technologies to ensure the safety
and quality of their products, further boosting the growth of the Food Safety
Testing Market.
The market is
also witnessing advancements in testing technologies, with a notable emphasis
on rapid and automated methods. Traditional testing methods often require
significant time and resources, leading to delays in releasing products to the
market. Rapid testing technologies, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
and immunoassays, provide quicker and more efficient results, enabling food
producers to streamline their processes and meet the demands of a fast-paced
market.
Geographically,
the market's growth is not uniform across all regions in India. Urban areas,
where the demand for processed and packaged foods is higher, tend to have a
more robust food safety testing infrastructure. However, there is a growing
awareness and emphasis on food safety in rural and semi-urban areas, driven by
government initiatives and awareness campaigns, which is expected to contribute
to market growth in these regions.
As the food
supply chain becomes more complex with globalization, the need for
comprehensive food safety testing solutions continues to rise. This is
particularly relevant in the context of imported foods, where ensuring
compliance with Indian safety standards is paramount. The Food Safety Testing
Market is witnessing an uptick in demand for services that cater to the testing
and certification of imported food products.
Key Market Drivers
Increasing Incidence of Foodborne Illnesses
India, like
many other countries, has witnessed a significant increase in instances of
foodborne diseases. Contaminated food products, often carrying pathogens such
as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, have been identified as the reason behind
these outbreaks. The consequences of such illnesses extend beyond individual
health concerns, impacting public health on a broader level. This surge has raised
urgent need for the safety of the food supply chain and necessitated a robust
response from regulatory authorities and the food industry.
As the nation
witnesses rapid urbanization, changes in dietary habits, shifts in dietary
preferences, and a growing population, the potential for contamination within
the food supply chain has increased significantly. For instance, as per the
FSSAI report released in August 2021, India records an approximate annual total
of 100 million cases of foodborne diseases (FBD), incurring an annual cost of
USD 15 billion to the nation. Projections indicate that by the year 2030, the
incidence of foodborne diseases is anticipated to increase to a range of
150-177 million cases annually. This escalation underscores the need for
rigorous quality control measures. The occurrence of foodborne outbreaks has
triggered concerns, leading both consumers and regulatory authorities to
prioritize food safety, which in turn creates huge opportunities propelling the
India food safety market.
In recent
years, there have been several cases in India that have emphasized the need for
comprehensive food safety testing, such as the commonly observed Salmonella
outbreak in packaged ready-to-eat snacks, excessive pesticide contamination in
vegetables, and the presence of harmful pathogens in meat products. These
occurrences not only directly jeopardize consumer health but also undermine consumer
confidence in the safety of their food. In response, the Indian government has
taken measures to enhance its regulatory framework by implementation of
rigorous standards and an escalation in surveillance efforts to proactively
identify and address potential risks. Additionally, there has been an increase
in the frequency of food safety testing activities to ensure a more
comprehensive approach.
Incidents such
as contamination of milk products, adulterated spices, and bacterial issues in
packaged foods have resulted in product recalls and heightened consumer
apprehensions. These incidents emphasize the crucial requirement for robust
food safety testing measures to proactively prevent, detect, and address
potential contaminants before they enter the market.
Growing Government’s Focus On Strengthening
Consumer Awareness For Food Safety
The rise in
urbanization and shifts in consumer behaviors have resulted in an increased
number of individuals purchasing and consuming food prepared in public
establishments. To enhance consumer awareness regarding food adulteration, the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented various
initiatives. In 2020, FSSAI introduced the DART manual (Detecting Adulterants
with Rapid Testing), which serves as a comprehensive guide for citizens to
identify common adulterants and contaminants in various food categories. The
manual covers adulterants found in Oils & Fats, Sweetening Agents, Food
Grains & their products, Pulses, Spices, Salt, Tea, Coffee, artificial and
toxic colors, and extraneous matters intentionally or unintentionally added to
food. Furthermore, FSSAI conducts awareness campaigns through exhibitions,
melas, and outreach activities at prominent events such as AAHAR International
Food & Hospitality Fair, Indus Food, India International Trade Fair,
International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit 2022, Mega Expo & Science
Book Fair 2022, etc. These efforts aim to educate consumers and promote a
better understanding of food safety practices.
The heightened
awareness of the correlation between food safety and overall health has led
consumers in India to adopt a more discerning approach in their product
choices. This trend has consequently spurred the necessity for robust safety
testing protocols. In response to this scenario, the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory bodies in the country have
implemented various measures in food safety testing. For instance, in March
2021, FSSAI introduced an IT solution for the Indian food laboratory network
called InFoLNet. In March 2021, FSSAI introduced InFoLNet, an IT solution for
the Indian food laboratory network. This centralized Laboratory Management
System (LMS) connects laboratories and provides an online portal, streamlining
food testing activities.
In August 2023,
Food Safety On Wheels (FSW), FSSAI launched Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) mobile
testing vans to reach remote areas for training and awareness initiatives.
These well-equipped units serve as mobile food testing labs, conducting simple
tests for common adulterants in daily consumables such as milk, water, and
edible oil. FSWs are strategically stationed at various exhibitions. Similarly,
in July 2023, India introduced 'SaNGRAH' – Safe Food for Nations, an extensive
initiative as a Global Food Regulatory Authorities Handbook, a Common Digital
Dashboard, and Food-o-Copoeia designed to enhance consumer awareness in food
safety.
Download Sample Report
Key Market Challenges
Lack of Infrastructure And Skilled Personnel
Ensuring the
safety of the vast and diverse food supply in the country requires robust
testing facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology. However, a
significant number of testing laboratories, particularly in smaller towns and
rural areas, lack the necessary infrastructure & modern equipment essential
to conduct comprehensive food safety assessments. The absence of modern testing
equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) machines, limits the capacity of these laboratories to
detect contaminants accurately and efficiently.
Additionally,
the scarcity of proficient professionals in this field compounds the issue,
given the imperative need for specialized training in handling sophisticated
testing equipment.
Inconsistencies In Regulatory Enforcement And
Compliance
While central
regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) provide overarching guidelines, the implementation and adherence to
these regulations vary across different states. This lack of uniformity creates
a complex and fragmented regulatory environment, posing hurdles for businesses
operating on a national scale. Companies find themselves navigating a patchwork
of regulations, leading to increased compliance costs and operational
complexities.
The lack of
standardized practices also makes it challenging for food safety testing
laboratories to establish consistent protocols, hindering their ability to
offer streamlined services across diverse regions. This disparity hampers food
safety, creating gaps in risk identification and mitigation in testing.
Key Market Trends
Rise Of E-commerce In The Food Sector
According to
IBEF, India has gained 125 million online shoppers in the past three years,
with another 80 million expected by 2025. Online food shopping spans a range
from everyday groceries to long shelf-life processed foods and fresh produce,
including meals from aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy. The surge in food
purchases through e-commerce platforms introduces a layer of anonymity in the
selection and consumption of products. To address this gap, the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has, in recent years, reinforced
regulations to make food available only after undergoing rigorous food safety
testing and meeting established food standards. This trend supports India food
testing market growth empowering consumers & enabling them to make informed
decisions about food acquisitions.
Rising Focus On Rapid And Portable Testing
Methods
Conventional
testing approaches frequently involve prolonged procedures, causing delays in
product release and distribution. Businesses are increasingly adopting these
innovative solutions to ensure rapid and efficient detection of contaminants,
meeting the dynamic needs of the food industry and enhancing overall safety
standards. For instance, the need for expeditious testing methodologies is
notably prominent in the dairy sector, where prompt identification of
contaminants like antibiotics is imperative. In India, the ongoing issue of
milk adulteration has prompted the creation and acceptance of swift testing
technologies that furnish prompt and precise outcomes, facilitating timely
intervention and risk mitigation.
Segmental Insights
Contaminants Insights
Based on Contaminants, Pathogen testing dominates the
food testing market due to its critical role in ensuring food safety.
Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, pose significant health
risks when present in food. Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses underscore the
importance of accurate and timely pathogen detection to prevent widespread
contamination. Stringent regulations, driven by health authorities like the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), mandate comprehensive
pathogen testing to meet safety standards. With increasing consumer awareness
and a growing emphasis on preventive measures, the demand for robust pathogen
testing methods remains pivotal in safeguarding public health and maintaining
the integrity of the food supply chain.
Technology Insights
Based on technology, Traditional technology remains
dominant in the food testing market due to its established reliability and
regulatory acceptance. Methods like microbiological culture, ELISA, and PCR,
though considered traditional, provide accurate and validated results for
pathogen and contaminant detection. These methods have been widely accepted by
regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI). The familiarity, proven track record, and standardized protocols
associated with traditional technologies make them the preferred choice for
many food testing laboratories. While newer technologies are emerging, the
dominance of traditional methods ensures stability, regulatory compliance, and
consistent results in the food testing industry.
Download Sample Report
Regional Insights
Based on
region, South India emerges as a dominant region in the food testing market due
to its robust food processing industry, increasing consumer awareness, and
stringent regulatory measures. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala
have witnessed substantial growth in food-related businesses, leading to a
heightened demand for quality assurance through testing services. The presence
of major food testing laboratories, research institutions, and a proactive
approach by state governments in promoting food safety contribute to the
region's dominance. Additionally, the rising urbanization and changing consumer
preferences in South India further amplify the importance of comprehensive food
testing services in ensuring public health and compliance with standards.
Recent Developments
- In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new microbiology laboratory and 17 Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) vehicles in Assam through a virtual event. The total value of these facilities is USD 1.57 Million. This initiative by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Guwahati marks a significant advancement in food testing infrastructure across Assam. Furthermore, Assam received 17 mobile food testing laboratories, referred to as FSWs, as part of efforts to ensure food safety reaches every corner of the state.
Key Market Players
- SGS India Private Limited.
- TUV India Private Limited.
- Intertek India Private Limited.
- ALS Testing Services India Private Limited.
- BioMerieux India Private Limited.
- Qiagen India Private Limited.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories India Private Limited.
- Eurofins Analytical Services India Private Limited.
- Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Private Limited.
- Thermofisher Scientific India Private Limited
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By Contaminants
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By Technology
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By Food Tested
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By Region
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- Pathogens
- Pesticides
- Mycotoxin
- Allergens
- GMOs
- Others
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- Meat
- Dairy
- Poultry
- Processed Foods
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Seafood
- Cereals & Grains
- Others
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- North India
- South India
- East India
- West India
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Report Scope:
In this report, the India Food Safety Testing Market has been segmented
into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have
also been detailed below:
- India Food Safety Testing Market, By Contaminants:
o Pathogens
o Pesticides
o Mycotoxin
o Allergens
o GMOs
o Others
- India Food Safety Testing Market, By Technology:
o Traditional
o Rapid
- India Food Safety Testing Market, By Food tested:
o Meat
o Dairy
o Poultry
o Processed Foods
o Fruits & Vegetables
o Seafood
o Cereals & Grains
o Others
- India Food Safety Testing Market, By region:
o North India
o South India
o East India
o West India
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of
the major companies presents in the India Food Safety Testing
Market.
Available Customizations:
India Food Safety Testing Market report with the
given market data, Tech Sci 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).
India
Food Safety Testing Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you
wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release,
please contact us at [email protected]