Unsafe Food Causes 1.5 Million Deaths Annually, WHO Reports

Unsafe food is a significant global health threat, causing an estimated 1.5 million deaths and 866 million cases of illness each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The UN News service highlighted that many of these illnesses and deaths could be prevented through improved access to clean water, sanitation, better hygiene practices, and adherence to food safety standards like pasteurization.

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Annually, unsafe food is the cause of about 866 million cases of illness and 1.5 million deaths.

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, suffering from foodborne diseases at nearly three times the rate of older children and adults. Although they represent only 9 percent of the global population, they account for almost a third of all foodborne disease cases. Diarrheal diseases are especially dangerous and can be fatal. Furthermore, exposure to food contaminants such as methylmercury and lead can impair brain development, leading to lifelong neurological and cognitive issues.

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Children under five are almost three times more likely to suffer from diseases related to unsafe food than older children and adults.

While biological factors like bacteria, viruses, and parasites were responsible for about 860 million illnesses in 2021, chemical contaminants are the primary cause of fatalities. The WHO's assessment revealed the burden of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and intellectual disabilities linked to heavy metals ingested through food. Inorganic arsenic and lead exposure alone are associated with over one million deaths annually. In 2021, chemical substances accounted for 73 percent of all deaths related to unsafe food, with inorganic arsenic (42 percent) and lead (31 percent) being the main culprits, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cancerous diseases.

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Most diseases are linked to biological factors, bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which caused about 860 million cases of illness in 2021. However, the largest share of deaths comes from chemical contaminants.

Beyond the health impacts, unsafe food imposes a substantial economic burden. The WHO estimates that foodborne illnesses resulted in a loss of productivity valued at approximately $310 billion in 2021. Adjusted for cost of living differences, this figure rises to $647 billion. The WHO urges governments to prioritize prevention by improving agricultural practices, strengthening environmental regulations, and controlling industrial emissions. June 7 is recognized annually as World Food Safety Day.

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Chemical substances caused 73 percent of all deaths related to contaminated food in 2021. Most of these cases are due to exposure to inorganic arsenic (42 percent) and lead (31 percent).