Summary of Research Findings

The corporate questionnaire was conducted in September 2024 targeting businesses related to food, including enterprises that utilize food inspection/analysis services and/or food testing kits, in order to ascertain their food safety measures, the implementation status of various food inspections, outsourcing status, utilization status of rapid test kits, along with their challenges and demands. A total of 100 major domestic businesses and associations, including food/beverage manufacturers, food processors (agricultural, livestock and fisheries processors), restaurants and other food service providers, ready-to-eat producers, and meal service providers, responded.

According to the findings of the questionnaire, all businesses (100%) indicated that they engage in “inspection on raw materials and products (food).” A high implementation rate of at least 80% was noted in “specifying the raw material’s location of origin/supplier, internalizing production by contracting with producers or producing at their own farm” (90%), “practicing food sanitation at food production sites/distribution/retail and providing comprehensive food safety training to employees” (84. 0%), and “identifying/clarifying the chemicals utilized (pesticides, fertilizers, additives, etc. )” (81. 0%). The survey results substantiate the notion that, with the institutionalization of HACCP, food business operators are focusing on sanitation management in accordance with HACCP, establishing a framework through a food safety management system and diligently conducting various inspections.

Noteworthy Topics

Current Status of Food Inspection/Analysis Services and Food Test Kits Businesses

As online services gained traction in food inspection and analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the digitization of operations has continued to accelerate. Following a temporary downturn caused by the crisis, the industry has since rebounded.
Demand for functional ingredient analysis has grown significantly, driven by increased product development efforts among food manufacturers. At the same time, inspections for foreign material contamination have risen in step with the recovery of the restaurant industry, reflecting heightened expectations around quality assurance and responsiveness to customer concerns. Meanwhile, demand for fundamental testing services, such as the detection of microorganisms and food allergens, has remained relatively stable. Companies that support food businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in obtaining food safety standard certification are also experiencing steady growth.

While market dynamics vary by testing category, there has been a notable uptick in sales of food inspection kits across the board. This growth is largely fueled by labor shortages in the food industry, particularly the difficulty of hiring experienced inspectors. In light of the institutionalization of HACCP, there is growing interest, especially among SMEs, in rapid and user-friendly rapid testing kits to support their expanded sanitation and inspections efforts.

Research Outline