Food Allergen Testing Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The food allergen testing industry was valued at approximately US$ 592.39 million in 2018 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 1,198.53 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2019 to 2027.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), around 32 million individuals in the United States are affected by food allergies, with 11% of the population aged 18 to 26 reporting such allergies. Notably, about 40% of children with food allergies in the U.S. are allergic to multiple food types. Each year, approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. seek emergency medical assistance due to allergic reactions triggered by food. The use of medical interventions for treating anaphylaxis and food allergies surged by 377% from 2007 to 2016 in the U.S. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has indicated that a considerable portion of the European population also experiences food allergy incidents, with self-reported food allergies ranging from 2% to 37% among adults. In Australia and New Zealand, the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) reports that food allergies affect 4% to 8% of children, about 10% of infants, and approximately 2% of adults. The most prevalent allergens in these regions include eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, sesame, and wheat. Over the past decade, hospital admissions due to severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis have doubled in Australia, the U.S., and the U.K., with a notable increase in cases among children aged 0 to 4 years in Australia. The rising incidence of food allergies worldwide has prompted public health authorities to implement significant measures to manage these cases, thereby driving the growth of the food allergen testing market.

The food allergen testing market is categorized by source into liquid, powder, and tablets/capsules. In 2018, the milk segment dominated the market share, primarily due to the rising prevalence of milk allergies in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Lactose intolerance, a condition where individuals cannot digest lactose?the primary carbohydrate in dairy?leads many to avoid milk and dairy products. Cow's milk allergy is particularly common among infants and young children, with about 2.5% of children under three years old affected. The increasing global prevalence of lactose intolerance is further propelling the growth of the food allergen testing market, especially within the milk segment.

From a technological perspective, the food allergen testing market is divided into polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, immunoassay-based techniques (including ELISA), and other testing methods. The risks associated with hidden allergens in food have heightened the demand for sensitive, rapid, and reliable methods for detecting food allergens. Currently, immunoanalytical techniques remain the preferred methodologies for allergen detection. Among these, immunoassay-based methods, particularly ELISA, are widely used for routine allergen monitoring due to their high accuracy, sensitivity, and potential for standardization. ELISA is the leading protocol for commercial kits designed to quantify low levels of food allergens in both raw and processed food products. Consequently, there is a growing demand for analytical methods that can be employed outside laboratory settings to evaluate food quality and safety on-site. Although some rapid on-site assays are available, they typically provide only qualitative results, which contributes to the growth of this market segment.

The food allergen testing market is also segmented based on the type of food tested, including bakery and confectionery, infant food, processed foods, dairy products and alternatives, seafood, meat products, and others. The declining quality of animal feed raises concerns about the potential for meat to cause allergies in humans. Despite the food and beverage industry experiencing increased demand for animal feed additives that enhance feed quality, the food intolerance testing market remains robust, addressing allergies related to meat consumption.

Geographically, the food allergen testing market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America held the largest market share in 2018, driven by the rising incidence of food allergies in the U.S. and Canada, along with stringent labeling regulations regarding food allergen content. Consumers with allergies heavily rely on food labels when purchasing products. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identifies major allergens, including peanuts, crustacean shellfish (such as lobster, shrimp, and crab), fish (like flounder, bass, and cod), tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans), wheat, milk, eggs, and soybeans. These labeling regulations significantly contribute to the growth of the food allergen testing market in North America.

Key players in the global food allergen testing market include Dicentra, Eurofins Scientific SE, Intertek Group plc, M?rieux NutriSciences, Microbac Laboratories Inc, Neogen Corporation, ALS Limited, Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH, SGS S.A., and UV SUD SPB PTE. LTD.

The size of the food allergen testing market has been determined through both primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the information and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders in the food allergen testing sector.