Residue Testing Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Residue Testing Market Report is Segmented by Residue Type (Pesticides, Heavy Metals, and More), Technology (HPLC-Based, LC-MS/MS-based, and More), Application (Feed and Pet Food, Agricultural Crops, and Food and Beverage), Testing Mode (Lab Testing and Testing Kits) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Residue Testing Market Size and Share

Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Compare market size and growth of Residue Testing Market with other markets in Food & Beverage Industry

Residue Testing Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The food residue testing market is expected to reach USD 2.22 billion in revenue by 2025 and is forecast to expand to USD 2.81 billion by 2030, registering a 4.83% CAGR. Growth is fuelled by stricter global maximum residue limits, rapid technology upgrades, and rising consumer insistence on verifiable food purity. The European Food Safety Authority's 2023 annual report indicated that 99% of food samples complied with EU regulations, yet 2% exceeded maximum residue levels, underscoring the critical need for robust testing infrastructure [1]Source: European Food Safety Authority, "The 2022 European Union report on pesticide residues in food", www.efsa.europa.eu . Governments tighten rules faster than most producers can adapt, extending mandatory testing to new residue classes and mandating real-time monitoring across import and domestic supply chains. Convergence of mass-spectrometry, sequencing and biosensor platforms shortens analysis cycles, while the accelerating cadence of food recalls keeps testing demand structurally high. The food residue testing market remains fragmented, creating meaningful scope for consolidation as service providers seek scale advantages in instrumentation investment, data analytics, and geographic reach.

Key Report Takeaways

By residue type, pesticides led with 44.94% of food residue testing market share in 2024; toxins are projected to post the fastest 5.08% CAGR to 2030.

By technology, LC-MS/MS held 35.54% revenue share in 2024; NGS/biosensor systems are expected to advance at a 5.44% CAGR through 2030.

By application, the food and beverage segment captured 59.78% of the food residue testing market size in 2024, while feed and pet food is forecast to expand at a 6.02% CAGR to 2030.

By testing mode, lab testing commanded 84.31% share of the food residue testing market size in 2024; testing kits are projected to grow at a 6.27% CAGR to 2030.

By geography, Europe accounted for 34.78% of 2024 revenue; Asia-Pacific is poised to record the quickest 5.24% CAGR over the forecast period.

Segment Analysis

By Residue Type: Pesticides Lead Amid Toxin Acceleration

Pesticides commanded 44.94% market share in 2024, reflecting widespread agrochemical usage and comprehensive regulatory monitoring across global food systems. Heavy metals represent the second-largest category, driven by environmental contamination concerns and tightening limits for lead, cadmium, and mercury in food products. Toxins emerge as the fastest-growing segment at 5.08% CAGR through 2030, propelled by expanding mycotoxin testing requirements and novel biotoxin detection needs. The "Others" category, encompassing drugs, antibiotics, and chemical contaminants, benefits from increased scrutiny of veterinary drug residues and emerging contaminants like PFAS.

The EU's updated mycotoxin regulations, including Regulation 2024/1022 setting new maximum levels for DON, T-2, and HT-2 toxins effective July 2024, exemplify regulatory drivers accelerating toxin testing demand. Taiwan's introduction of tolerance levels for 5 additional mycotoxins in pet food, including 2 ppm vomitoxin for dog food and 5 ppm for cat food, demonstrates expanding regulatory scope beyond human consumption. Advanced detection methods like lipopolysaccharide-imprinted polymers achieve 10 CFU/mL sensitivity for Salmonella detection, enabling rapid on-site pathogen identification without complex preprocessing 

Residue Testing Market:
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Technology: LC-MS/MS Dominance Faces NGS Disruption

LC-MS/MS-based technology maintains market leadership with 35.54% share in 2024, supported by regulatory acceptance and proven analytical performance across diverse residue types. HPLC-based methods serve cost-sensitive applications where high-throughput screening takes precedence over ultimate sensitivity. GC-MS/MS platforms excel in volatile compound analysis, particularly for pesticide residues in processed foods. ICP-MS-based technology addresses heavy metal detection requirements with exceptional precision for trace elemental analysis.

NGS/biosensor technology accelerates at 5.44% CAGR through 2030, driven by rapid detection capabilities and multiplex analysis potential that transforms laboratory workflows. The FDA's evaluation of Q20+ Nanopore Sequencing for bacterial outbreak investigations demonstrates regulatory interest in real-time pathogen identification, potentially reducing current 2-4 week sequencing timelines to near real-time results. CRISPR-Cas systems enable rapid pathogenic E. coli detection with high specificity and cost-effectiveness, addressing limitations of traditional time-consuming methods. Immunoassay-based platforms continue serving routine screening applications, while "Others" encompass emerging technologies like surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electrochemical sensors that offer portable detection capabilities.

By Application: Food and Beverage Leadership Amid Feed Acceleration

Food and Beverage applications dominate with 59.78% market share in 2024, encompassing comprehensive testing across meat and poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, and beverages. Within this segment, meat and poultry testing intensifies due to antimicrobial resistance concerns and pathogen detection requirements. Dairy testing focuses on antibiotic residues and mycotoxin contamination from feed sources. Fruits and vegetables face heightened pesticide residue scrutiny, particularly for imported produce with historically higher violation rates.

Feed and Pet Food emerges as the fastest-growing application at 6.02% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory expansion and contamination incidents that heightened safety awareness. The FDA's Animal Food Contaminants Program monitors mycotoxins, pesticides, and trace elements with increasing frequency, while the proposed PURR Act of 2024 seeks to modernize pet food regulation under unified FDA oversight. Agricultural Crops testing remains essential for pre-harvest monitoring and export certification, particularly as global trade partners implement stricter import requirements. Recent mycotoxin contamination incidents in pet food have prompted enhanced testing protocols and regulatory oversight, with Taiwan introducing tolerance levels for 5 additional mycotoxins including ochratoxin at 0.01 ppm

By Testing Mode: Lab Testing Dominance Challenged by Kit Innovation

Lab Testing maintains commanding 84.31% market share in 2024, supported by regulatory requirements for certified analytical methods and comprehensive residue panels. Laboratory-based analysis provides the sensitivity, specificity, and documentation required for regulatory compliance and international trade. Accreditation requirements under programs like the FDA's LAAF create structural advantages for established laboratory networks with validated methodologies. The extensive infrastructure and expertise available in laboratory settings enable complex multi-residue analysis across diverse sample matrices. Modern laboratories also offer automated high-throughput screening capabilities that reduce per-sample costs while maintaining analytical precision.

Testing Kits accelerate at 6.27% CAGR through 2030, driven by demand for rapid, on-site detection that enables real-time decision-making across food supply chains. Handheld devices for bacterial detection, such as those developed by Osaka Metropolitan University, connect to smartphone apps and detect multiple bacterial species within one hour. The development of dual-method immunochromatographic strips for procymidone residues enables both rapid screening and quantitative analysis, enhancing efficiency in food safety monitoring. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms improves the accuracy and reliability of rapid testing solutions. These portable testing platforms significantly reduce the time and resources required for preliminary screening, allowing facilities to optimize their testing workflows.

Residue Testing Marke
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Europe maintains market leadership with 34.78% share in 2024, anchored by the EU's comprehensive regulatory framework including the updated Contaminants Regulation 2023/915 that establishes maximum levels for various food contaminants. The region's testing infrastructure benefits from harmonized analytical standards and robust enforcement mechanisms that drive systematic adoption across member states. Germany, United Kingdom, and France lead in analytical capabilities, while Netherlands and Belgium serve as critical import gateways requiring extensive testing protocols. The EFSA's 2023 annual report indicating 99% regulatory compliance yet 2% exceedance of maximum residue levels underscores the region's rigorous monitoring approach according to European Food Safety Authority. Recent regulatory updates include new maximum residue levels for fluxapyroxad, lambda-cyhalothrin, metalaxyl, and nicotine effective January 2025, demonstrating ongoing refinement of safety standards.

Asia-Pacific accelerates as the fastest-growing region at 5.24% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory modernization initiatives and expanding food production capacity across major economies. China's release of 47 new national food safety standards in 2024, including 7 dedicated testing methodologies, signals regulatory convergence toward international best practices. India's FSSAI re-operationalization of food labeling standards effective January 2023 strengthens oversight mechanisms, while Agilent's strategic partnership with ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes develops advanced analytical workflows for emerging contaminants including PFAS and polar pesticides. Japan's revision of maximum residue limits for pesticides and veterinary drugs aligns with international standards, while South Korea's updates to pesticide tolerance standards and food labeling requirements enhance consumer protection. Australia and Indonesia represent significant growth opportunities as export-oriented economies implement stricter testing protocols to meet international market requirements.

North America maintains substantial market presence supported by stringent FDA and USDA oversight mechanisms that drive comprehensive testing across domestic and imported food supplies. The FDA's FY 2022 Pesticide Residue Monitoring Report revealed 96.2% compliance for domestic samples versus 89.5% for imports, highlighting the critical role of testing in global food trade. The region benefits from advanced laboratory infrastructure and technological innovation, with companies like SGS expanding food testing capacity through facility upgrades in key manufacturing hubs . South America emerges as a growth opportunity driven by Brazil's adoption of new regulatory frameworks and revised technical regulations for food contact materials, while Argentina, Colombia, and Chile enhance export testing capabilities to meet international requirements. Middle East and Africa represent developing markets where infrastructure investments and regulatory framework development create long-term growth potential as food safety awareness increases and export ambitions expand.

Residue Testing Market
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all Individual segments will be available upon report purchase

Competitive Landscape

The food residue testing market exhibits a fragmented competitive structure, indicating substantial consolidation opportunities and intense competition among numerous players. Market dynamics favor companies with comprehensive service portfolios spanning multiple testing methodologies, geographic reach, and regulatory expertise across diverse food categories. Major players include SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, Eurofins Scientific, Bureau Veritas, Mérieux Nutrisciences Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others.

Leading testing service providers like SGS, Eurofins, and Bureau Veritas leverage global laboratory networks and technological capabilities to capture market share, while analytical instrument manufacturers including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, and Waters Corporation compete on innovation and regulatory compliance features. Strategic patterns emphasize technological differentiation and geographic expansion, with companies investing heavily in rapid detection capabilities and multiplex testing platforms that reduce time-to-result while expanding analytical scope. 

In October 2024, Bureau Veritas's divestment of its food testing business to Mérieux NutriSciences for EUR 360 million exemplifies portfolio optimization strategies as companies focus on core competencies. Eurofins demonstrated resilient growth with 7.1% organic expansion in 2023 and continued investment in laboratory capacity, while SGS expanded North American food testing capabilities through facility upgrades targeting the multi-billion dollar nutraceutical market. Technology convergence toward NGS, biosensors, and AI-enhanced analytics creates opportunities for disruptive entrants, while established players maintain competitive advantages through regulatory relationships and validated methodologies that ensure compliance across global markets.

Residue Testing Industry Leaders

  1. SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA

  2. Eurofins Scientific

  3. Bureau Veritas

  4. Mérieux Nutrisciences Corporation

  5. Thermo Fisher Scientific

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
residue testing market
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • January 2025: European Commission implemented Regulation 2025/115 establishing new maximum residue levels for fluxapyroxad, lambda-cyhalothrin, metalaxyl, and nicotine in food products across the EU, aimed at ensuring consumer safety and aligning with international standards.
  • October 2024: Bureau Veritas completed divestment of its food testing business to Mérieux NutriSciences for EUR 360 million, with the business generating EUR 133 million in 2023 revenues and operating 34 laboratories globally with over 1,900 staff members.
  • May 2024: Agilent Technologies announced strategic partnership with ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes to enhance food safety standards in India, developing advanced analytical workflows for PFAS, polar pesticides, and antibiotics testing while supporting regulatory compliance with FSSAI and APEDA requirements. The collaboration includes joint workshops and skill development programs for technical personnel.
  • March 2024: FDA announced sufficient laboratory capacity for mycotoxin testing under the FSMA Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods program, mandating accredited laboratories for imported food mycotoxin analyses starting December 2024. The LAAF program enhances testing accuracy through standardized practices and oversight mechanisms.

Table of Contents for Residue Testing Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Stringent Global Food Safety Regulations
    • 4.2.2 Surge in Demand for Clean-label Food and Beverage Products
    • 4.2.3 Technological Advancements in Testing Techniques
    • 4.2.4 Rise in Outbreaks of Foodborne Illnesses
    • 4.2.5 Widespread Use of Agrochemicals in Farming
    • 4.2.6 Increased Incidence of Food Recalls
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High Cost of Advanced Testing Technologies
    • 4.3.2 Lack of Standardization in Residue Limits Across Regions
    • 4.3.3 Limited Infrastructure in Developing Countries
    • 4.3.4 Lack of Awareness Among Small-Scale Farmers and Producers
  • 4.4 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.5 Technological Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Residue Type
    • 5.1.1 Pesticides
    • 5.1.2 Heavy Metals
    • 5.1.3 Toxins
    • 5.1.4 Others
  • 5.2 By Technology
    • 5.2.1 LC-MS/MS-based
    • 5.2.2 HPLC-based
    • 5.2.3 GC-MS/MS-based
    • 5.2.4 ICP-MS-based
    • 5.2.5 Immunoassay-based
    • 5.2.6 NGS / Biosensor
    • 5.2.7 Others
  • 5.3 By Application
    • 5.3.1 Agricultural Crops
    • 5.3.2 Feed and Pet Food
    • 5.3.3 Food and Beverage
    • 5.3.3.1 Meat and Poultry
    • 5.3.3.2 Dairy
    • 5.3.3.3 Fruits and Vegetables
    • 5.3.3.4 Processed Food
    • 5.3.3.5 Beverages
  • 5.4 By Testing Mode
    • 5.4.1 Lab Testing
    • 5.4.2 Testing Kits
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.3 Italy
    • 5.5.2.4 France
    • 5.5.2.5 Spain
    • 5.5.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.5.2.7 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 India
    • 5.5.3.3 Japan
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 Indonesia
    • 5.5.3.6 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.7 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.4.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA
    • 6.4.2 Eurofins Scientific
    • 6.4.3 Bureau Veritas
    • 6.4.4 Intertek Group plc
    • 6.4.5 Tuv Sud E.V. (TÜV SÜD)
    • 6.4.6 NSF
    • 6.4.7 Mérieux Nutrisciences Corporation
    • 6.4.8 ALS Global
    • 6.4.9 AsureQuality
    • 6.4.10 SCIEX (Danaher)
    • 6.4.11 Thermo Fisher Scientific
    • 6.4.12 Hewlett-Packard (Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
    • 6.4.13 Waters Corporation
    • 6.4.14 Shimadzu Corporation
    • 6.4.15 PerkinElmer NV
    • 6.4.16 Neogen Corporation
    • 6.4.17 Charm Sciences
    • 6.4.18 DSM-Firmenich (Romer Labs)
    • 6.4.19 Labcorp Crop
    • 6.4.20 Symbio Labs

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Global Residue Testing Market Report Scope

The global residue testing market has been segmented by product type, application, and technology. By product type, the market is sub-segmented aspesticides, heavy metals, toxins, allergens and others, and by application, it is sub-segmented as feed & pet food and food. The technology has been further categorized into HPLC-based technology, LC-MS/MC-based, immunoassay-based, and other technologies.

By Residue Type Pesticides
Heavy Metals
Toxins
Others
By Technology LC-MS/MS-based
HPLC-based
GC-MS/MS-based
ICP-MS-based
Immunoassay-based
NGS / Biosensor
Others
By Application Agricultural Crops
Feed and Pet Food
Food and Beverage Meat and Poultry
Dairy
Fruits and Vegetables
Processed Food
Beverages
By Testing Mode Lab Testing
Testing Kits
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Residue Type
Pesticides
Heavy Metals
Toxins
Others
By Technology
LC-MS/MS-based
HPLC-based
GC-MS/MS-based
ICP-MS-based
Immunoassay-based
NGS / Biosensor
Others
By Application
Agricultural Crops
Feed and Pet Food
Food and Beverage Meat and Poultry
Dairy
Fruits and Vegetables
Processed Food
Beverages
By Testing Mode
Lab Testing
Testing Kits
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the food residue testing market?

The market is expected to reach USD 2.22 billion in 2025 and is projected to rise to USD 2.81 billion by 2030.

Which residue type accounts for the largest revenue share?

Pesticides lead the segment with 44.94% of food residue testing market share in 2024.

Which technology is currently dominant in laboratory workflows?

LC-MS/MS systems hold 35.54% of segment revenue due to their versatility and regulatory acceptance.

Why is Asia-Pacific the fastest-growing region?

Regulatory modernization, increased food exports and expanded domestic production drive a 5.24% regional CAGR.

What drives demand for feed and pet-food testing?

Expanded mycotoxin regulations and high-profile contamination incidents push the feed and pet-food segment to a 6.02% CAGR through 2030.

Residue Testing Market Report Snapshots