Food Allergen Testing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 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, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Food Allergen Testing Market was valued at USD 807.43 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,149.31 million in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.02% through 2030. 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.

The rising incidence of food allergies, particularly among children, has prompted stricter regulatory frameworks and heightened consumer awareness globally. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and FSSAI in India have implemented stringent guidelines mandating the identification, testing, and labeling of key allergens in food products. These regulations require manufacturers to adopt advanced allergen testing methods like ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and lateral flow assays to ensure accurate and timely detection. As food supply chains become more complex and globalized, the risk of cross-contamination has also increased, emphasizing the need for comprehensive allergen management systems.

Technological advancements in testing methodologies are another factor contributing to the growth of the food allergen testing market. Innovations in rapid testing kits, portable analyzers, and multiplex assays have enabled faster, more sensitive, and cost-effective detection of multiple allergens simultaneously. These developments are not only improving testing efficiency but also making allergen testing accessible to smaller food producers and hospitality providers. Moreover, the integration of digital tools and data management systems is helping manufacturers monitor and trace allergen contamination in real-time, thus ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of costly recalls and litigation.

The demand for allergen-free and clean-label products is also influencing the growth of allergen testing. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and safety in their food choices, brands are under pressure to validate their allergen-free claims through certified testing. This trend is particularly strong in regions like North America and Europe, where consumers are more health-conscious and label-sensitive. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce in the food and beverage sector is pushing manufacturers to ensure the safety and quality of products shipped across borders. This growing focus on consumer safety and brand integrity is expected to further drive the demand for robust allergen testing solutions globally.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Cases of Food Allergies

Food allergies have become a pressing public health issue, especially among children, who are disproportionately affected. Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to suffer from asthma or other allergic conditions, intensifying the need for proactive management. According to a 2023 report, nearly 6 million children in the U.S. live with at least one food allergy. The heightened risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, has underscored the importance of routine testing and early diagnosis, driving demand for reliable allergen detection tools across healthcare and food sectors.

The nature and persistence of food allergies vary by the allergen. While some allergies like milk and egg tend to diminish with age, others such as peanut and shellfish often last a lifetime. In 2022, a study showed that over 80% of children with peanut allergies do not outgrow them. The rise of related conditions such as lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and soy allergies has further expanded the range of allergens food manufacturers and testing labs must screen for. This growing complexity reinforces the need for comprehensive allergen panels and sophisticated testing methodologies to ensure consumer safety.

In response to rising allergy cases and regulatory demands, food testing labs are increasingly investing in strategic partnerships and technology upgrades. A notable example is Eurofins Scientific's 2022 acquisition of a majority stake in Ajal Laboratories to enhance its food and pharmaceutical testing footprint in the Middle East. Such collaborations allow labs to broaden their allergen testing capabilities and comply with region-specific standards. In parallel, advancements in rapid testing technologies are enabling faster and more accurate allergen identification, helping producers prevent contamination incidents before products reach the market.

Governments and health organizations worldwide are actively engaging in education and prevention efforts. Campaigns focused on label transparency, early detection, and emergency preparedness are gaining momentum. A 2023 European study found that more than 40% of parents with allergic children reported receiving improved allergy education through school and healthcare channels. These collaborative efforts between public health authorities, private testing labs, and advocacy groups are instrumental in raising awareness, reducing mislabeling incidents, and promoting allergen-free product innovation in the global food supply chain.

Consumer Awareness and Demand for Label Transparency

Rising consumer awareness regarding food allergies is creating strong pressure on food manufacturers to ensure accurate allergen labeling. People are now more proactive about reading ingredient lists and identifying potential allergens, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. A 2023 global survey revealed that over 68% of consumers actively check labels for allergen information before purchasing packaged foods. This trend is pushing companies to adopt advanced allergen testing methods to maintain transparency, build consumer trust, and comply with increasingly strict food labeling regulations in various countries.

As food allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of commonly consumed items, the importance of detailed ingredient disclosure continues to grow. Categories such as baby foods, dairy, snacks, beverages, and meat products are under particular scrutiny due to their high consumption rates and potential allergenic impact. According to a 2022 study, more than 30% of reported allergic reactions occurred due to cross-contamination or incorrect labeling. To address this, the food industry is embracing more rigorous testing systems to detect even trace amounts of allergens and prevent mislabeled or unsafe products from reaching consumers.

Animal-based products are also facing rising concern, particularly meat, due to the presence of allergens introduced through substandard feed. Although the demand for animal feed additives is growing to improve livestock health and productivity, the risk of allergen transfer through the food chain remains. A 2023 report highlighted that improper feed quality contributed to 12% of unexpected allergen detection in meat products. Consequently, food intolerance testing—especially for animal proteins—is becoming a crucial step in allergen management, ensuring end products meet both safety standards and evolving consumer expectations.

The regulatory landscape continues to shape labeling practices worldwide. While over 170 foods can trigger allergic reactions, the USDA and FDA currently mandate the declaration of eight major allergens including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish under FALCPA. However, new developments are underway; sesame was officially added to the list in 2023. With regulators constantly reviewing emerging allergenic threats and public health trends, manufacturers are being compelled to upgrade their testing infrastructure and labeling accuracy to meet legal obligations and rising consumer demands.

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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

Based on test type, allergen testing is dominating the global food allergen testing market in 2024 due to growing consumer awareness, stringent regulatory requirements, and rising incidences of food allergies. Allergen testing helps detect the presence of common allergens like milk, peanuts, soy, eggs, and tree nuts in processed food products. Regulatory agencies worldwide have mandated clear labeling and rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety, especially for at-risk populations such as children. As a result, food manufacturers are increasingly adopting allergen testing protocols to prevent cross-contamination, ensure compliance, and avoid costly recalls. The demand for reliable, rapid, and sensitive allergen detection methods continues to drive growth in this segment.

Source Insights

Peanut and soy are anticipated to garner increased attention in the source segment of the global food allergen testing market in 2024, 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 Allergen Testing market is a prominent regional market in 2024. 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

• In April 2025, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has launched a next-generation Basophil Activation Test (BAT) that enables rapid, safe food allergy research using a simple blood draw—eliminating risky oral food challenges and cutting testing time significantly . Utilizing dry reagent technology pre-mixed in single tubes with only four pipetting steps and no centrifugation, the assay offers reproducible, high-throughput allergen profiling with broad flow cytometer compatibility.
• In October 2024, ALK has received FDA clearance for its new AccuTest™ skin-prick allergy testing line—including the single-prick AccuTest‑1™, and multi-head AccuTest‑8™ and AccuTest‑10™ devices, along with 48‑ and 60‑well allergen trays. These user-friendly tools feature ergonomic grips, smaller tines for enhanced accuracy, and contamination‑resistant trays. A comparative study found that improved device consistency may yield more reliable diagnostic results.

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 Food Type:

o Bakery and Confectionery

o Infant Food

o Processed Food

o Dairy Products and Alternatives

o Seafood and Meat Products

o Other Foods

            ·         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

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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