UK Food Safety Testing Market: By Testing Method, Product Type, Contaminant Type, Technology, Application - Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033

A powerful convergence of factors is driving unprecedented growth in the UK food safety testing market, reflecting both rising consumer concerns and escalating public health challenges. Valued at approximately US$ 1,306.23 million in 2024, the market is forecasted to more than double in size, reaching an estimated US$ 2,801.82 million by 2033. This growth corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.23% over the period from 2025 to 2033, highlighting the increasing importance placed on food safety measures across the country.

One of the primary forces behind this surge in demand is the dramatic rise in foodborne illnesses, which has created an urgent need for more frequent and rapid pathogen detection methods. In 2024, England alone recorded alarmingly high numbers of infections, with Campylobacter cases reaching 70,352-levels not seen in a decade-and Salmonella infections hitting 10,388. These statistics underscore the persistent threat posed by microbial contamination in the food supply, emphasizing the critical role of comprehensive testing protocols to safeguard public health.

Noteworthy Market Developments

Several prominent companies play a crucial role in shaping the UK food safety testing market by offering comprehensive testing services that cover microbiological, chemical, and allergen analysis. Firms such as SGS United Kingdom Limited, Bureau Veritas UK Limited, ALS Laboratories (UK) Limited, and Intertek Group Plc are key players providing essential support across multiple sectors within the food industry. Their diverse testing portfolios help ensure that food products meet stringent safety standards, protecting consumers and maintaining regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain.

In a strategic effort to strengthen its footprint across the island of Ireland, Eurofins, a global leader in testing and laboratory services, acquired Bio-Search, a Belfast-based food testing laboratory, in July 2024. This acquisition significantly enhances Eurofins' capabilities in microbiology and chemistry testing, specifically tailored to the Northern Ireland food and beverage sector. By integrating Bio-Search's expertise and resources, Eurofins expands its regional presence and reinforces its ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality food safety testing services in this important market.

On the innovation and funding front, the UK government continues to support advancements in food safety and agriculture through initiatives such as Innovate UK's multi-million-pound investment in Agrimetrics, one of the country's four Agri-Tech Centres. Announced in 2024, this funding backs a data marketplace that connects food and farming data, enabling more sophisticated predictive analytics to identify and mitigate food safety risks from farm to fork. Meanwhile, Glaia, a Bristol-based company specializing in the development of advanced materials to enhance crop health, secured a £1 million investment early in 2024.

Core Growth Drivers

Consumers across the UK food safety testing market are becoming increasingly vigilant about the environmental and ethical claims made by food brands, and this heightened scrutiny is playing a significant role in driving market growth. As awareness around sustainability and ethical sourcing rises, consumers are no longer satisfied with vague or generic claims; they demand transparency and evidence to support assertions such as "green," "sustainable," or "responsibly sourced." This shift in consumer expectations has given rise to a new vertical within the food safety testing market, one that specifically focuses on validating these environmental and ethical claims through rigorous scientific methods.

Emerging Opportunity Trends

A distinct trend is gaining momentum in the food safety testing industry, characterized by the decentralization of testing processes. Rather than relying solely on central laboratories, companies are increasingly shifting testing capabilities directly into production facilities and distribution centers. This shift is primarily motivated by the growing complexity of supply chains, which demands faster turnaround times to ensure product safety and quality. By bringing testing closer to the point of production and distribution, companies can respond more swiftly to potential issues, minimizing delays and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Barriers to Optimization

Food companies face a challenging landscape when it comes to complying with a multitude of local, regional, and international regulations. Each jurisdiction may have its own set of rules, standards, and testing requirements, creating a complex web of compliance that businesses must carefully navigate to ensure their products meet all necessary safety and quality criteria. This regulatory complexity demands significant time and resources, as companies must stay up to date with frequently changing legislation and adapt their processes accordingly.

Detailed Market Segmentation

By Test Method, the substantial market share held by microbiological testing is primarily driven by the widespread prevalence and serious consequences of pathogenic microorganisms on public health. In the UK, the food safety testing market is heavily influenced by the alarming reality that approximately 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year. These illnesses not only affect countless individuals but also impose a significant economic burden, with costs estimated to reach £10.4 billion annually.

By Product Type, the significant revenue generated from testing processed foods can largely be attributed to the complexity of their supply chains and the inherently high risks associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) products. These items, which include prepackaged sandwiches, salads, and wraps, undergo multiple handling and processing stages, each introducing potential contamination points. This complexity makes them particularly vulnerable to microbial hazards, necessitating rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety. The stakes are especially high because RTE products are consumed without further cooking, meaning any contamination present at the point of sale can directly impact public health.

By Technology, traditional testing methods continue to dominate the food safety testing market due to their proven reliability and the existing regulatory framework that supports their use. These culture-based techniques form the backbone of food safety verification, as they are deeply embedded in regulations such as the retained EU law 2073/2005. This regulatory reliance ensures that traditional methods remain the standard approach for confirming food safety, as they have been thoroughly validated and widely accepted over time.

Segment Breakdown

• By Test Method
• Microbiological Test
• Total Plate Count (TPC)
• Coliform Testing
• Listeria Testing
• Salmonella Testing
• Campylobacter Testing
• Sensory Test
• Manual
• Smell
• Taste
• Appearance
• Others
• Instrumental
• Smell
• Taste
• Appearance
• Others
• Physical Test
• Chemical Test
• Allergen Test
• Others

By Product Type

• Processed Food
• Fruits &Vegetables
• Beverages
• Grains & Cereal
• Confectionery
• Meat & Meat Products
• Milk & Milk Products
• Others

By Technology

• Traditional Testing
• Rapid Testing

By Service Sourcing

• Inhouse
• Outsource

By End User

• Food & Beverage
• Academic and Research Institutions
• Testing Laboratories

Leading Market Participants

• ALS Laboratories (UK) Limited
• Bureau Veritas UK Limited
• Campden BRI Group
• Eurofins Food Testing UK Limited
• Fera Science Limited
• Food Forensics Limited
• Intertek Group Plc.
• Northern Hygiene Laboratories Limited
• SGS United Kingdom Limited
• TUV SUD UK Limited
• Other Prominent Players