WHO Report Highlights Deadly Global Impact of Foodborne Diseases on Children - Video

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.