Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Global Industry Analysis: By Type, By Technology, By Application, and Country Forecast 2020-2031

Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Toxins, Pesticide Residues, Allergens, Veterinary Drugs, and Heavy Metal), By Technology (Chromatography Based, Spectroscopy, Immunoassay, and Other Technologies), By Application (Dairy Products, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat & Poultry, Cereals, Grains & Pulses, Processed Foods, Functional Food Ingredients, and Nuts, Seeds & Spices), and Country Forecast 2020-2031

Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market size was valued at US$ 380 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 540 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 5.4% from 2025-2031. The market is a defined sector dedicated to the analysis and identification of undesired compounds, such as pesticides, chemicals, or pollutants, in food, agricultural products, animal feeds, and water. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) Residue Testing Market is primarily driven by the enforcement of stringent food safety regulations and export compliance mandates. As international markets demand stricter residue limits in food exports, MEA producers are increasingly adopting testing protocols to meet global standards. This is especially critical in high-export segments such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.

Supplementing this regulatory push is rising consumer awareness of food safety, increasing agrochemical usage in farming, and expanding access to modern analytical technologies like chromatography and mass spectrometry. A key trend shaping the market is the shift toward portable and rapid testing tools, enabling real-time, on-site residue analysis. Integration of blockchain and digital traceability solutions is also gaining momentum, particularly in premium and export-oriented supply chains. At the same time, the growing preference for organic and clean-label food is encouraging more frequent testing across value chains.

The opportunity lies in rising investments in food infrastructure, lab capabilities, and traceability tools, driven by the need to boost export readiness. However, market growth is restrained by inadequate lab infrastructure, limited skilled personnel, high testing costs, and uneven regulatory harmonization across MEA countries. These factors present challenges, especially for small-scale producers and low-income regions.

Facts & Figures

  • Stringent Food Safety & Export Regulations: Regulatory enforcement for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) is intensifying across MEA, especially for export compliance. For instance, in February 2025, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) updated MRL standards for 50+ pesticides in line with Codex guidelines to protect export potential.
  • Rising Agricultural Input Use: Increased use of pesticides and veterinary drugs in crop and livestock production is raising residue risk. For instance, in March 2025, South Africa's National Department of Agriculture reported a 12% rise in pesticide imports YOY, triggering expanded residue surveillance across citrus exports.
  • Government Investment in Laboratory Infrastructure: The Public sector is actively funding lab upgrades and building national testing frameworks. For instance, in January 2025, Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture inaugurated a new pesticide residue lab in Giza to support its fruit and vegetable export program.
  • Expansion of Export-Oriented Food Processing: More MEA food processors are targeting EU, US, and Asian markets, where residue testing is non-negotiable. For instance, in May 2025, Kenya signed a horticultural trade deal with Germany requiring full-spectrum pesticide residue testing through ISO-accredited labs.

Key Developments:

  • In April 2025, SGS Gulf enhanced its UAE presence by investing in GC and LC-MS technologies, focusing on food safety compliance in key export commodities.
  • In February 2025, Eurofins introduced on-site mobile laboratories across the region, equipped with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS to support rapid pesticide and contaminant analysis for exporters.
  • In January 2025, PolyAnalytik partnered with UAE-based Concorde Corodex Group to launch Corodex Life Sciences, an advanced analytical CRO in the Middle East targeting molecular and residue testing.

Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Segmentation:

Based on the type:

  • Toxins
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Food Allergens
  • Veterinary Drugs
  • Heavy Metal

In the market, the pesticide residues segment holds the largest market share. This dominance is driven by the high use of agrochemicals in crop production, especially in countries exporting fruits, vegetables, and grains to regions like the EU, where strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are enforced. With increasing international scrutiny and regulatory alignment, pesticide residue testing has become routine for export-focused agribusinesses and government checkpoints. Moreover, public health concerns regarding food safety have further boosted this segment. In contrast, the toxins segment currently holds the smallest market share due to relatively lower awareness and testing infrastructure for naturally occurring contaminants like mycotoxins.

Based on the technology:

  • Chromatography Based (HPCL, GC, LC, LC-MS/MS)
  • Spectroscopy
  • Immunoassay
  • Other Technologies

In the market, chromatography-based technologies (such as HPLC, GC, LC, and LC-MS/MS) hold the largest market share due to their high precision, sensitivity, and ability to detect multiple residue types in a single run. These methods are widely used in food safety laboratories and government-regulated export testing due to their accuracy in quantifying pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, and toxins. Chromatography is considered the gold standard for compliance with international food trade standards. Conversely, immunoassay technology, while faster and cost-effective for screening, holds a smaller share due to its limited scope, sensitivity variation, and qualitative nature.

Based on the application:

  • Dairy Products
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Cereals, Grains & Pulses
  • Processed Foods
  • Functional Food Ingredients
  • Nuts, Seeds & Spices

In the market, the Fruits & Vegetables segment holds the largest market share. This dominance stems from the region's high volume of fresh produce exports to markets with stringent Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standards, such as the EU and Asia. Frequent pesticide application in cultivation, combined with global demand for residue-free produce, drives continuous testing in this category. Additionally, government residue monitoring programs prioritize fruit and vegetable exports due to their perishability and sensitivity to contamination. On the other hand, the Functional Food Ingredients segment holds the smallest market share, largely due to limited local processing and lower regulatory pressure on niche health ingredients.

Middle East Africa Residue Testing Market Summary

Study Period

2025-2031

Base Year

2024

CAGR

5.4%

Largest Market

N/A

Fastest Growing Market

N/A

Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Dynamics

Drivers

The primary driver of the market is the implementation of stringent food safety regulations and export compliance requirements. Governments and regulatory bodies across the MEA region have increased oversight of pesticide, veterinary drug, and heavy metal residues in food and agricultural exports. This is driven by mounting global trade standards and international safety alerts, which pressure local producers to implement robust residue testing protocols to maintain market access. Frequent testing is mandated before shipping food items like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, creating recurring demand for labs, analytical tools, and skilled professionals.

Supplementary drivers include rising agricultural output using agrochemicals, growing consumer awareness of food safety, and expanding laboratory infrastructure. Moreover, the proliferation of modern testing technologies, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, further reinforces market adoption. While regulatory enforcement leads the charge, rising pesticide use, public food safety concerns, and advancements in analytical capabilities also subtly enhance market momentum in MEA.

Restraints

A key restraint in the market is the limited availability of advanced testing infrastructure and skilled professionals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Many regions in MEA face significant gaps in laboratory capacity, equipment affordability, and workforce training, which makes it difficult to carry out accurate and timely residue analysis. This hampers regulatory enforcement and slows industry-wide adoption of global food safety standards. Small-scale farmers and producers often lack awareness of testing protocols or resources to implement residue monitoring, especially when dealing with informal or local markets where compliance is less strict.

Additionally, the high cost of advanced analytical instruments, such as GC-MS or LC-MS systems, and the ongoing maintenance and calibration required for precision testing further restrict access. Other contributing restraints include inconsistent regulatory frameworks across countries, limited public funding for food safety programs, and delays in adopting harmonized standards for export markets, which collectively hinder market growth.

Opportunities

A major opportunity in the market lies in the rising demand for residue-free, export-quality food products, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and key African exporters. With increasing global scrutiny of food safety and traceability, producers across MEA are now compelled to adopt standardized residue testing practices to meet international trade requirements. This is especially crucial for exporters targeting the EU, U.S., and Asian markets, where Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are strictly regulated. Furthermore, government investments in food security, public health, and agriculture modernization are boosting the development of laboratory infrastructure and regulatory capacity.

The growing presence of global and regional food processing companies is also accelerating the need for in-house or third-party residue testing solutions. Technological advancements like portable residue testing devices and blockchain-based traceability tools offer scalable solutions for large and small producers alike. This creates a favorable environment for innovation, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building in the residue testing sector across MEA.

Trends

The main trend in the market is the increased adoption of rapid and portable testing technologies to meet the growing demand for real-time food safety assessment. As food exports rise and regulatory scrutiny tightens, especially for pesticide residues and veterinary drug contaminants, stakeholders are shifting from conventional lab-based methods to on-site testing tools that offer faster turnaround and decision-making capabilities. Alongside this, digital traceability and blockchain integration are gaining traction in high-value export chains, allowing producers to document residue compliance transparently across the supply chain.

Additionally, there’s a clear trend toward natural and organic food production, prompting routine residue screening to validate “clean label” claims. Governments across MEA, especially in the GCC and South Africa, are also updating national residue monitoring programs, aligning more closely with international standards. These trends collectively signal a modernization wave in food safety infrastructure across the region.

Middle East Africa Residue Testing Market Segmentation Analysis

Report Benchmarks

Details

Report Study Period

2025-2031

Market Size in 2024

US$ 380 million

Market Size in 2031

US$ 540 million

Market CAGR

5.4%

By Type

  • Toxins
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Food Allergens
  • Veterinary Drugs
  • Heavy Metal

By Technology

  • Chromatography Based (HPCL, GC, LC, LC-MS/MS)
  • Spectroscopy
  • Immunoassay
  • Other Technologies

By Application

  • Dairy Products
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Cereals, Grains & Pulses
  • Processed Foods
  • Functional Food Ingredients
  • Nuts, Seeds & Spices

Analyst Review

According to a PBI Analyst, the market is undergoing a critical transformation, driven by regulatory enforcement, rising export demand, and consumer awareness around food safety. While countries in the Gulf and parts of Africa are accelerating the modernization of their food safety frameworks, the region still faces infrastructure and training gaps that limit uniform market development. However, increasing investment in laboratory facilities, public-private partnerships, and the adoption of portable and digital testing technologies are gradually closing these gaps. The market holds strong long-term potential, especially in high-export economies, but continued focus on affordability, training, and harmonized standards will be key for sustained growth.

Key Features of the Report

  • The Middle East & Africa residue testing market report provides granular level information about the market size, regional market share, historic market (2020-2024), and forecast (2025-2031)
  • The report covers in-detail insights about the competitor’s overview, company share analysis, key market developments, and their key strategies
  • The report outlines drivers, restraints, unmet needs, and trends that are currently affecting the market
  • The report tracks recent innovations, key developments, and start-up details that are actively working in the market
  • The report provides a plethora of information about market entry strategies, regulatory framework, and reimbursement scenario
  • The report analyses the impact of the socio-political environment through PESTLE Analysis and competition through Porter Five Force Analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Middle East Africa residue testing market size was valued at US$ 380 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 5.4% from 2025-2031.

The market is primarily driven by stricter food safety regulations and export compliance requirements, along with rising pesticide usage and growing consumer awareness of residue-free food.

Growing demand for residue-free exports and increasing government investment in food safety labs and modernization of agricultural practices present strong growth opportunities

Market research is segmented based on type, technology, application, and country.

Rapid adoption of portable and rapid residue detection technologies, alongside rising digitization and traceability across the food supply chain, is a defining trend.

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Author

Prem Kumar

Prem Kumar with profound experience and sound knowledge across a wide range of market forecasting methods, demand f.....

1.Executive Summary
2. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Introduction 
2.1. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market  - Taxonomy
2.2. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market  - Definitions
2.2.1.Type 
2.2.2.Technology
2.2.3.Application
3. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Dynamics
3.1. Drivers
3.2. Restraints
3.3. Opportunities/Unmet Needs of the Market
3.4. Trends
3.5. Product Landscape
3.6. New Product Launches
3.7. Impact of COVID 19 on Market
4. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031
4.1.  Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
4.2.  Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) 
4.3.  Market Opportunity Analysis 
5. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market  By Type , 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
5.1. Toxins
5.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.2. Pesticide Residues
5.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.3. Food Allergens
5.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.4. Veterinary Drugs
5.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.5. Heavy Metal
5.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market  By Technology, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
6.1. Chromatography Based (HPCL, GC, LC, LC-MS/MS)
6.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.2. Spectroscopy
6.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.3. Immunoassay
6.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.4. Other Technologies
6.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7. Middle East & Africa Residue Testing Market  By Application, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
7.1. Dairy Products
7.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.2. Fruits & Vegetables
7.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.3. Meat & Poultry
7.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.4. Cereals, Grains & Pulses
7.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.5. Processed Foods
7.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.6. Functional Food Ingredients
7.6.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.6.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.6.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.7. Nuts, Seeds & Spices
7.7.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.7.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.7.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
8. Competition Landscape
8.1.  Market Player Profiles (Introduction, Brand/Product Sales, Financial Analysis, Product Offerings, Key Developments, Collaborations, M & A, Strategies, and SWOT Analysis) 
8.2.1.Eurofins Scientific
8.2.2.SGS SA
8.2.3.Intertek Group plc
8.2.4.Bureau Veritas
8.2.5.ALS Limited
8.2.6.TÜV SÜD
8.2.7.Mérieux NutriSciences
8.2.8.Neotron Spa
8.2.9.Geochem Middle East
8.2.10.PolyAnalytik Inc.
9. Research Methodology 
10. Appendix and Abbreviations 

Key Market Players

  • Eurofins Scientific
  • SGS SA
  • Intertek Group plc
  • Bureau Veritas
  • ALS Limited
  • TÜV SÜD
  • Mérieux NutriSciences
  • Neotron Spa
  • Geochem Middle East
  • PolyAnalytik Inc.

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