WHO Report Highlights Deadly Global Impact of Foodborne Diseases on Children

Unsafe food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful chemicals kills around 1.5 million people globally every year, with young children facing the highest risk, according to a new analysis by the World Health Organization. The study, which examined data from 194 countries between 2000 and 2021, found that nearly 886 million people suffer food-borne illnesses annually, while children under five are almost three times more likely to be affected. Despite an overall decline in food-related illnesses since 2000, major regional disparities persist, with Africa and Southeast Asia accounting for nearly three-quarters of all cases and 60% of related deaths worldwide.

The report found that biological hazards such as bacteria and viruses caused the vast majority of the estimated 860 million food-borne illness cases recorded in 2021. However, chemical contaminants were responsible for a disproportionate share of deaths, with arsenic and lead identified as the leading non-biological threats, reports NDTV.

WHO officials warned that climate change is increasing contamination risks, while antimicrobial resistance is making infections harder to treat. Beyond its health impact, food-borne disease also imposes a significant economic burden, costing the global economy an estimated $647 billion in lost productivity in 2021.