Rising incidences of foodborne illness, globalized supply chains, stricter regulatory frameworks and rapid technological advances are driving the expansion of the food pathogen testing market. According to Kings Research, pathogen testing represents the largest and fastest-growing segment within the overall food safety testing industry, supported by regulatory pressure, industry initiatives, and rising consumer awareness.

The global food pathogen testing market size was valued at USD 11.07 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 11.86 billion in 2025 to USD 20.38 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.05% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the rising demand for pathogen testing solutions in the poultry industry, supported by the need to maintain food safety and comply with strict regulatory standards.

Market snapshot

• Kings Research highlights the global food safety testing market as expanding significantly, with pathogen testing holding the dominant share within the broader category.
• The pathogen testing segment is identified as the largest type, with substantial contribution to industry revenues.
• Technology adoption trends such as PCR, immunoassays, rapid molecular platforms, and biosensors are expected to sustain strong growth momentum.

Why pathogen testing is the focal point now

Pathogen testing has evolved into a critical strategic component for food processors, retailers, and regulatory agencies. Three major forces are driving its prominence:

• Regulatory tightening and traceability demands — stricter government and international standards require rapid, sensitive verification across food categories.
• Supply chain complexity — globalization and multi-tier sourcing increase contamination risks, making rapid on-site testing essential to prevent recalls.
• Technological maturation — PCR, isothermal amplification, immunoassays, and biosensor platforms deliver faster turnaround times and broader applicability.

Unlock Key Growth Opportunities: https://www.kingsresearch.com/food-pathogen-testing-market-2737

Key Companies in Food Pathogen Testing Market:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Merck KGaA
• Neogen Corporation
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• BIOMÉRIEUX
• QIAGEN
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Shimadzu Corporation
• Bruker
• dsm-firmenich
• Hygiena LLC
• 3M
• PerkinElmer
• Clear Labs, Inc.
• Seegene Inc.

Key pathogen testing applications include:

• Routine screening of raw materials such as meat, dairy, and produce.
• Environmental monitoring in food processing plants.
• Finished-product testing for ready-to-eat items.
• Rapid outbreak investigations to minimize recall impact.

Technology and product trends

Legacy culture-based methods continue to serve as reference standards, but molecular and immunoassay-based technologies are gaining market share. Kings Research notes that immunoassay approaches remain one of the largest contributors to industry revenues.

Notable shifts in technology:

• PCR and qPCR — recognized for sensitivity and increasingly offered in portable formats.
• Immunoassays & lateral flow tests — popular for high-throughput screening with minimal training required.
• Next-generation biosensors & lab-on-chip — promising ultra-rapid, on-site results.
• Automation & robotics — improving efficiency for high-volume testing labs.

Market segmentation

Kings Research segments the food pathogen testing market by test type, technology, end user, and region:

• By testing type: Pathogen testing (largest), GMO, allergens, chemicals, and others.
• By technology: PCR, immunoassays, chromatography, culture-based, and biosensor-based approaches.
• By end user: Food manufacturers, contract testing labs, retail & foodservice operators, and government/public health labs.
• By region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Regional analysis

• North America: Mature market with strong regulatory enforcement and advanced contract testing infrastructure.
• Europe: Large market share supported by stringent safety standards and high testing adoption rates.
• Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, driven by rising food exports, modernization of testing systems, and industrial expansion.
• Latin America & Middle East/Africa: Emerging markets with growing opportunities in export-oriented industries.

Market dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing consumer demand for transparency and safety.
• Stronger government regulations and compliance requirements.
• Rapid detection methods enabling proactive food safety programs.

Restraints

• High cost of advanced testing systems for smaller manufacturers.
• Regional fragmentation of standards complicating international trade.

Opportunities

• Development of affordable, point-of-need testing kits.
• Integration of pathogen testing with digital traceability and analytics platforms.
• Expansion of contract lab services with value-added consulting.

Competitive landscape

The market is highly competitive, with major players including global contract testing providers, diagnostic companies, and technology innovators. Key companies are expanding service networks, enhancing test menus, and adopting advanced molecular methods. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are reshaping competitive dynamics and expanding regional footprints.