Global Meat Speciation Testing - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The global meat species identification testing market reached USD 1.73 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 2.46 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.29%.

The market expansion aligns with stricter regulatory measures against meat mislabeling, as evidenced by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service setting January 1, 2028, as the compliance deadline for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations. The increasing focus on food safety, rising consumer awareness about food authenticity, and growing incidents of meat adulteration worldwide are driving the demand for reliable testing methods. Additionally, technological advancements in DNA-based testing techniques and the implementation of stringent food safety standards across regions contribute to market growth. The rise in international meat trade and the need for transparency in the food supply chain further accelerate the adoption of meat species identification testing solutions. .

Global Meat Speciation Testing Market Trends and Insights

Heightened Regulatory Crackdowns on Meat Mis-labeling

Government agencies are implementing stricter documentation and laboratory verification requirements for animal-raising and origin claims. The USDA has revised its "Product of USA" labeling criteria to specifically require that animals must be born, raised, slaughtered, and processed within the United States. This change aims to enhance transparency in the meat supply chain and protect domestic producers. The European Union has enhanced its African swine fever regulations in 2024, requiring member states to implement more rigorous pathogen detection protocols for pork products. These protocols include mandatory testing at border control points, enhanced surveillance systems, and standardized reporting mechanisms across the EU member states to prevent disease spread and ensure food safety compliance. .

Surge in Global Halal & Kosher Certification Audits

Indonesia's Halal Product Guarantee Agency has implemented comprehensive testing protocols under updated accreditation regulations. The United States halal certification framework requires traceability plans and testing procedures for high-risk facilities, including protein absence validation and contamination testing, with results maintained for multiple years. DNA extraction and PCR amplification methods have become essential for halal authentication in meat supply chains. CTAB-based methods and commercial kits such as NucleoSpin(TM) Food demonstrate high extraction efficiency for processed animal by-products.

High Cost of Advanced Testing Technologies

Triple-quadrupole GC/MS systems and advanced mass spectrometers provide high sensitivity but require substantial capital investment that many small laboratories cannot afford. The instruments' high purchase costs, combined with ongoing maintenance requirements, create significant financial barriers for smaller facilities. The cost of consumables and extraction kits increases operational expenses, with regular calibration and quality control measures adding to the financial burden. While portable LAMP devices and smartphone spectrometers offer potential alternatives, particularly for resource-limited settings, they require broader regulatory approval before they can replace traditional analytical platforms. These emerging technologies show promise in reducing both initial investment and operational costs, but their current limitations in analytical precision and regulatory compliance prevent widespread adoption in laboratory settings.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

1. Rising Incidents of Meat Adulteration and Food Fraud
2. Consumer Awareness of Food Authenticity and Transparency
3. Lack of Standardized Testing Protocols Across Regions

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

In 2024, poultry accounted for 40.15% of market revenue, highlighting the meat species identification testing market's concentration in high-volume protein testing. The frequent occurrence of cross-contamination in processed poultry products has increased the adoption of routine PCR monitoring by processors. While horse meat testing represents a smaller segment, it is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.35%, driven by European retailers' efforts to maintain consumer confidence following previous adulteration incidents.

Testing requirements vary across protein categories. Beef testing remains stable due to its high retail prices, which increase the risk of fraudulent substitution. Pork testing focuses on verifying the absence of cross-species contamination to comply with halal and kosher requirements. The demand for mutton and lamb testing is increasing in Middle Eastern markets with strict authenticity regulations. Testing for specialty meats, including venison and ostrich, represents a small but high-margin segment, driven by premium restaurants requiring verified authenticity.

Processed and minced meat products accounted for 37.78% of the testing volume in 2024, as species identification becomes more challenging when muscle fibers are processed beyond recognition. The market has adapted by developing multiplex PCR panels that can simultaneously screen multiple ingredients in a single test.

The gelatine and collagen testing segment is projected to grow at a 7.89% CAGR through 2030, driven by increased halal and kosher certification requirements in confectionery and nutraceutical industries. The development of hydrogel-molecular-imprinting sensors, capable of detecting prohibited additives at parts-per-billion levels, has expanded testing applications beyond food to include cosmetic products.

The Global Meat Speciation Testing Market is Segmented by Species (Beef, Pork, Poultry, Mutton/Lamb, Horse, and Others), Technology (PCR, ELISA, DNA Sequencing (NGS), Mand More), Sample Type (Raw Muscle Meat, Processed/Minced Meat, and More), Testing Mode (Lab Testing, and Testing Kits) and Geography (North America, Europe, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Geography Analysis

Europe accounted for 34.42% of global revenue in 2024, supported by comprehensive regulatory frameworks and increased consumer awareness following food safety incidents. The region's dominant position stems from its stringent food safety protocols and continuous monitoring systems. Sweden's implementation of new origin labeling requirements for restaurant meals strengthened this position, demonstrating the region's commitment to transparency in food supply chains.

Regional laboratories have enhanced their testing capabilities to meet African swine fever surveillance requirements, which necessitate additional species-specific testing at borders and farms. These enhanced protocols have led to significant investments in testing infrastructure and personnel training across European testing facilities. The systematic approach to disease surveillance has established new benchmarks for food safety testing across the continent.

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.66%, driven by stricter regulations and changing dietary preferences among the expanding middle class. China's introduction of fifty new National Food Safety Standards, requiring enhanced meat authenticity testing methods, has increased demand for automated extraction systems and high-throughput PCR equipment. This technological advancement has catalyzed the modernization of testing facilities across the region.

1. Eurofins Scientific SE
2. ALS Limited
3. Neogen Corporation
4. SGS SA
5. Bureau Veritas SA
6. Intertek Group plc
7. LGC Group
8. AB Sciex LLC
9. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
10. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
11. Qiagen N.V.
12. Agilent Technologies Inc.
13. Euroclone S.p.A.
14. Avantor, Inc.
15. R-Biopharm AG
16. Merieux NutriSciences
17. Romer Labs
18. Global ID Group
19. BioCheck UK
20. Clear Labs Inc

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support