Introduction
Food safety has become one of the most critical public health priorities in the United States, particularly as food allergies continue to rise across all age groups. With millions of Americans affected by potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, the need for accurate, reliable, and rapid food allergen testing has never been greater. From packaged food manufacturers to restaurants, regulators, and diagnostic laboratories, allergen detection is now a fundamental part of the U.S. food ecosystem.
According to Renub Research, the United States Food Allergen Testing Market was valued at US$ 245.63 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 451.58 million by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2025 to 2033. This strong growth trajectory is being driven by rising consumer awareness, stringent food safety regulations, technological advancements in testing methodologies, and the increasing consumption of processed and convenience foods.
United States Food Allergen Testing Industry Overview
Food allergen testing refers to analytical procedures used to detect allergenic proteins in food products that can trigger immune reactions in sensitive individuals. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and gluten. Even trace amounts of these substances can cause severe reactions, making precise detection essential.
Modern allergen testing relies on advanced technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), biosensor-based systems, and lateral flow devices. These methods allow for the identification of allergenic proteins at extremely low concentrations, ensuring compliance with labeling laws and preventing cross-contamination during production.
Food manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and testing laboratories utilize allergen testing to ensure consumer safety, protect vulnerable populations, avoid costly recalls, and maintain brand trust. In the United States, allergen testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health while enabling innovation in packaged, processed, and ready-to-eat foods.
Market Growth Drivers
1. Rapid Technological Advancements
Technological innovation is one of the most influential growth drivers in the U.S. food allergen testing market. Advances in molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, and biosensor technologies have significantly improved testing sensitivity, accuracy, and speed.
In March 2024, Gold Standard Diagnostics introduced the SENSIStrip Gluten PowerLine lateral flow test, designed to prevent false negatives through monoclonal antibody technology. The test offers enhanced sensitivity across diverse food matrices and supports automated reading using the RapidScan ST5 lateral flow reader, improving quantitative analysis and reliability.
Furthermore, companies are expanding allergen detection panels beyond gluten to include allergens such as peanuts and soy. These advancements reduce testing errors, lower turnaround times, and make allergen testing more accessible across the food production chain.
2. Growing Consumer Awareness and Health Consciousness
Consumer awareness regarding food allergies has increased dramatically in recent years. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), approximately 33 million Americans live with potentially life-threatening food allergies, including one in thirteen children. Alarmingly, food allergy-related emergency room visits occur every 10 seconds in the United States.
This heightened awareness has made consumers more vigilant about ingredient labeling, allergen disclosures, and cross-contact risks. As a result, food manufacturers are under increasing pressure to adopt rigorous allergen testing protocols to maintain consumer trust and avoid reputational damage.
Transparency, clean labeling, and allergen-free certifications have become key purchasing factors, especially among parents, healthcare-conscious consumers, and individuals managing chronic food sensitivities.
3. Stringent Food Safety Regulations
Regulatory oversight is another powerful force shaping the U.S. food allergen testing market. Agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforce strict allergen labeling and food safety standards to protect consumers.
The FDA’s guidance on food allergens emphasizes supply-chain controls, allergen cross-contact prevention, accurate labeling, and advisory statements. Although the guidance does not mandate specific testing methods, it strongly encourages robust allergen management programs.
Failure to comply with allergen regulations can lead to recalls, legal liabilities, and significant financial losses. As a result, food companies are increasingly investing in advanced allergen testing technologies to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risks.
Challenges Facing the Market
High Testing Costs
Despite technological advancements, allergen testing remains expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized food manufacturers. PCR-based tests and high-sensitivity lateral flow assays require costly equipment, specialized reagents, and trained personnel.
The need for frequent and batch-level testing further increases operational costs. Smaller manufacturers may struggle to balance compliance requirements with profitability, limiting widespread adoption of advanced testing methods.
Time-Consuming Testing Procedures
Some allergen detection methods, particularly laboratory-based PCR tests, can take several hours or even days to deliver results. These delays can disrupt supply chains, delay product launches, and affect inventory management.
While rapid testing solutions exist, they may involve trade-offs between speed, accuracy, and cost. The industry continues to seek solutions that deliver fast, reliable results without compromising precision.
United States Food Allergen Testing Market Overview by States
Food allergen testing demand varies significantly across U.S. states, influenced by regulatory environments, population size, food production activity, and consumer awareness.
California Food Allergen Testing Market
California leads the U.S. food allergen testing market due to its strict food safety regulations and highly health-conscious population. The state’s diverse food manufacturing sector, spanning agriculture, packaged foods, and organic products, requires extensive allergen testing.
California’s emphasis on accurate labeling and cross-contamination prevention has driven widespread adoption of advanced testing technologies, particularly for allergens such as gluten, peanuts, and soy.
Texas Food Allergen Testing Market
Texas represents a rapidly growing market due to its large food processing industry and expanding population. Rising awareness of food allergies, combined with strong food safety compliance requirements, has increased demand for allergen testing across manufacturing and distribution facilities.
Texas’s central role in the U.S. food supply chain further strengthens its position as a key contributor to market growth.
New York Food Allergen Testing Market
New York’s allergen testing market is shaped by its dense population, diverse food service industry, and stringent public health regulations. Food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants face strong pressure to ensure allergen safety and transparency.
The state’s proactive regulatory approach has encouraged innovation and investment in allergen detection technologies.
Florida Food Allergen Testing Market
Florida’s market growth is supported by its expanding tourism industry, agricultural activity, and diverse population. Accurate allergen testing is essential to protect residents and tourists, particularly in packaged foods and food service environments.
The state’s regulatory focus on food safety and allergen prevention continues to drive adoption of reliable testing solutions.
Market Segmentation
By Technology
Biosensors-based
Immunoassay-based / ELISA
PCR
Other Technologies
By Food Testing Type
Dairy Products
Bakery and Confectionery
Meat and Seafood
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Beverages
Other Processed Foods
By States
California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, Colorado, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Connecticut, South Carolina, Oregon, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, and the Rest of the United States.
Company Analysis
The competitive landscape includes global and regional players focused on innovation, regulatory compliance, and service expansion. Companies are analyzed across four dimensions: overview, key personnel, recent developments, and revenue performance.
Key Companies Covered
Eurofins Scientific SE
SGS S.A.
Bureau Veritas
Intertek Group plc
Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH
Microbac Laboratories Inc. (U.S.)
Mérieux NutriSciences
Crystal Chem Inc.
These companies are investing heavily in advanced testing platforms, expanding laboratory networks, and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.
Final Thoughts
The United States Food Allergen Testing Market is undergoing a significant transformation as food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust take center stage. With the market expected to grow from US$ 245.63 million in 2024 to US$ 451.58 million by 2033, allergen testing is becoming an indispensable component of the modern food industry.
Technological innovation, rising awareness of food allergies, and strict regulatory frameworks are driving sustained market growth. While challenges such as high costs and time-consuming procedures remain, ongoing advancements promise more efficient, accessible, and accurate testing solutions.
As consumers continue to demand transparency and safety, food allergen testing will remain a cornerstone of public health protection and a key driver of innovation in the U.S. food industry.