European Food Safety Testing Market & GMO Market- an Overview and Trends

The European food safety testing market is driven by the stringent food safety regulations imposed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to prevent increasing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and poisoning. The EFSA specifies that food manufacturers in Europe are responsible for safety of food that further helps to drive the market.

In 2012, salmonella testing accounted for major share in the European market. The application of rapid technology for contaminant testing has been increasing. 

Genetically modified food : 

Genetically modified foods or GM foods are produced by engineering the DNA of an organism. The latest developments in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering helps in producing crops and foods with more advanced traits. These technologies help to have greater control over characteristics and traits of GM organism.

It took a long time for the first time commercial sale of GM foods happened in 1994. Previously, farmers concentrated on cash crops like corn, canola, soyabean & cotton seed oil. The advanced generation of these crops is made which are resistance to pathogens and are rich in nutritional value.

Regulation related to use of genetically modified organisms

There are different approaches regarding uses and risks of genetic engineering technology and the development of genetically modified organisms.

Governments across different countries have different policies for GMO. These differences are related with the use of the product of genetic engineering.

Labeling of GM products is also a major concern and it depends on minimum GM content levels in the GM product.

A major group of people is concerning about food safety issue of genetically modified organisms but till now there isn’t any strong scientific proof. Thus, rigorous testing of GM food becomes an important issue.

European Attitudes toward Genetically Modified Foods

The production and consumption of GM foods is a controversial topic in the European Union.

Biotechnology leads to production of genetically

Biotechnology has led to the production of food products that have been genetically modified, allowing the products to be produced more efficiently while causing less damage to the environment.

Crops can be modified to contain traits that would prevent the need for pesticides, improve shelf life and nutrition, and offer protection against natural disasters.

Despite the benefits of GM foods, fear exists about potential health risks and possible damage to the environment.

People have less trust on media than in the EU and governments. A survey conducted in the EU has shown some of the reasons for supporting ang rejecting GM foods.

The factors that lead to support or rejection of GM food

• Still there are large no of people who are not ready to accept GM foods.
• Many people don’t know about what actually a GM food is.  
• This lack of knowledge leads to hesitation in accepting the production of GM foods.
• In a time when people heavily rely on technology on a daily basis, it is surprising that people have not begun to accept everything the media suggests as true and accurate.
• People who are knowledgeable about GM foods are more likely to support its production than those who lack sufficient knowledge about the subject.

Market Overview:

• The food safety testing market is projected to grow reach to $4,068.8 million by 2018.
• In 2012, Germany was the largest market for food safety testing and it is projected to be the fastest growing market in Europe.
• In 2012, U.K. was second largest market followed by the France.
• In 2012, contaminant testing in fruit and vegetable was the largest segment in European market. 
• In 2012, pathogen testing dominated European food safety testing market followed by GMOs testing. Pathogen safety testing in food samples was dominated by salmonella testing as the largest segment.