Report Overview

A growing focus on complying with stringent food safety regulations to address rising incidences of foodborne diseases and increasing concerns for food safety and a spurring demand from the country’s thriving dairy industry are expected to drive the India Food Pathogen Testing Market during the forecast period between 2024 and 2030.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

India Food Pathogen Testing Market size was estimated at USD 683.32 million in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, the India Food Pathogen Testing Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.21% reaching a value of USD 1,372.91 million by 2030. A prominent driver of the market is the increasing awareness among consumers concerning the quality of food. The substantial growth in this market is intricately linked to heightened consumer awareness, as evidenced by 78% of Indian consumers expressing a heightened concern for food safety compared to the past five years. This increased consciousness has catalyzed a noteworthy transformation in consumer preferences, with an evident shift towards selecting food products that are deemed safe, nutritious, and of superior quality. Also, the widespread availability of information through online platforms and social media has empowered consumers to stay well-informed about the potential health hazards linked to contaminated food. This heightened awareness has resulted in a notable change in consumer preferences, with a greater focus on choosing products from brands that prioritize and ensure food safety and quality.

Food Pathogen Testing – Overview

The Food Pathogen Testing market refers to a segment within the broader food safety industry that focuses on the identification and analysis of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, present in food products. This market is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food consumed by the public. It involves various testing methods and technologies aimed at detecting and preventing the contamination of food with harmful microorganisms that can pose risks to human health. The goal of Food Pathogen Testing is to maintain and enhance food safety standards, comply with regulations, and address the growing concerns of consumers regarding the potential presence of pathogens in food items. This market encompasses a range of testing services, equipment, and solutions employed by food manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses and ensure the production of safe and wholesome food products.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market

Growth Drivers

Rising Incidences of Foodborne Diseases 

The escalating concern for food safety is underscored by rising incidents of foodborne diseases in India. Alarmingly, approximately 2 million deaths occur annually due to consuming contaminated food and water, as reported by a medical journal. Globally, the World Health Organization notes over half a million deaths each year from unsafe food. In India, 13.2% of households engage in hazardous food practices. Despite regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recent incidents in states like Telangana, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh stress the urgent need for robust public health surveillance and heightened consumer awareness to ensure stringent adherence to food safety standards.

Challenges

Cost of Testing Procedures

The financial constraints tied to testing procedures present a formidable obstacle for the India Food Pathogen Testing Market. The challenge stems from the costs associated with testing processes, and this financial hurdle significantly impedes the market's growth trajectory. In particular, the high initial investment required for advanced testing equipment, including PCR machines and NGS platforms, ranging from INR 15 lakhs to INR 1 crore, poses a substantial financial burden. This circumstance becomes even more pronounced for smaller food producers and startups, creating a noteworthy challenge in their efforts to comply with rigorous pathogen testing standards. Effectively addressing these cost-related challenges is imperative for fostering the development of the India Food Pathogen Testing Market, ensuring that testing procedures remain economically viable for all stakeholders while upholding the essential standards for food safety and public health.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on India Food Pathogen Testing Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions can significantly impact the India Food Pathogen Testing Market. The market relies on stable geopolitical conditions for seamless supply chains, international collaborations, and the free flow of technological advancements. Tensions may disrupt these dynamics, leading to potential challenges in sourcing testing technologies, collaboration with global service providers, and adherence to international standards. Increased uncertainties could also influence investor confidence and market dynamics, affecting the overall growth trajectory. Additionally, geopolitical instability may lead to fluctuations in regulatory frameworks, impacting the implementation and enforcement of food safety regulations. Navigating these uncertainties becomes crucial for the India Food Pathogen Testing Market to sustain growth and ensure the continued safety of the food supply chain.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market

Segmental Coverage

India Food Pathogen Testing Market – By Contaminant

By contaminant, the India Food Pathogen Testing Market is divided into Salmonella, Listeria, E. Coli, and Campylobacter segments. The salmonella segment holds the highest share in the India Food Pathogen Testing Market by contaminant. It can be attributed to the prevalence of foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Weltevreden (Salmonella Weltevreden). This strain has emerged as a prominent foodborne pathogen, particularly in South-East Asian countries, including India. A notable instance in August 2022 involved a community outbreak of gastroenteritis linked to the consumption of panipuri from a street vendor in West Bengal. The outbreak, affecting 185 individuals, highlighted the severity of Salmonella Weltevreden infections, underscoring the need for rigorous testing measures to ensure food safety and prevent further outbreaks.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market – By Technology

Based on technology, the India Food Pathogen Testing Market is bifurcated Traditional Testing and Rapid Testing segments. The rapid testing segment holds a higher share in the India Food Pathogen Testing Market by technology. It can be attributed to the innovative initiatives like the Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This digital platform streamlines operations, offering a convenient and transparent process for applicants. Launched in 2019, the RAFT scheme encourages the adoption of advanced technologies for food testing. The integration of electronic processes, from application to certificate issuance, promotes efficiency and accelerates the adoption of rapid testing methods, aligning with the government's push for technological advancements in food safety. Also, the rapid testing segment includes convenience testing, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and Immunoassay segments.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market – By Food Type

On the basis of food type, the India Food Pathogen Testing Market is divided into Meat & Poultry, Dairy, Processed Food, and Fruits & Vegetables segments. The meat & poultry segment holds the highest share in the India Food Pathogen Testing Market. It is primarily due to its susceptibility to contamination, making rigorous testing imperative. Ensuring the safety of meat and poultry products is a top priority, driven by concerns over foodborne illnesses. Stringent regulations and increased consumer awareness further amplify the demand for robust pathogen testing in this sector. As a result, comprehensive testing measures are implemented to detect and prevent the presence of harmful pathogens, contributing to the prominence of the meat and poultry segment in the market.

India Food Pathogen Testing Market – By Region

Geographically, the India Food Pathogen Testing Market is divided into North India, South India, East India, and West India regions. North India holds the highest share in the India Food Pathogen Testing Market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The dominance is primarily driven by heightened consumer awareness regarding food safety, a notable prevalence of foodborne diseases, and the enforcement of stringent food safety regulations by authorities. The region accommodates a diverse array of food industries heavily reliant on pathogen testing to uphold the safety and quality of their products. The rich culinary traditions in North India, marked by a plethora of dishes, accentuate the importance of food safety and necessitate thorough testing to meet elevated standards. This cultural emphasis, coupled with a demand for safe and hygienic food, significantly propels the growth of the food pathogen testing market. Furthermore, the region hosts various global food pathogen testing service providers, reinforcing market growth and establishing North India as a key player in the industry.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in India Food Pathogen Testing Market include SGS India Private Limited, Eurofins Analytical Services India Private Limited, TUV India Private Limited, Intertek India Private Limited, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Private Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Private Limited, BioMérieux India Private Limited, ALS India, Qiagen India Pvt Ltd, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, and Neogen Corporation. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a new microbiology laboratory and 17 Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) vehicles in Assam, collectively valued at INR 13.11 crore. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) established the laboratory in Guwahati, marking a significant step in bolstering food testing infrastructure across the state. The FSWs, equipped with advanced facilities and expert staff, aim to enhance testing capabilities, provide essential training for strengthening food safety practices, and raise public awareness by reaching remote areas. The microbiology laboratory is expected to play a crucial role in detecting various microorganisms, including pathogens in food products, thereby safeguarding food safety.

Scope of the Report

By Contaminant

• Salmonella

• Listeria

• E. Coli

• Campylobacter

By Technology

• Traditional Testing

• Rapid Testing

By Food Type

• Meat & Poultry

• Dairy

• Processed Food

• Fruits & Vegetables

By Region

• North India

• South India

• East India

• West India