WHO Estimates the Global Health and Economic Burden of Foodborne Diseases
Children under the age of five are facing a disproportionate health crisis, with a risk of illness from unsafe food nearly three times higher than that of older children and adults. Although they represent only 9% of the global population, this vulnerable age group accounts for nearly one-third of all foodborne disease cases, particularly deadly diarrhoeal diseases.
The Global Scale of Foodborne Illness
Recent estimates indicate that unsafe food is responsible for approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths every year. Many of these cases could be prevented through improved hygiene, better water and sanitation, pasteurization, and expanded healthcare access.
While the overall burden of foodborne disease has decreased since 2000, severe regional inequalities remain. Africa and South-East Asia currently bear the heaviest load, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all illnesses and 60% of global deaths.
Biological Hazards versus Chemical Threats
The nature of foodborne threats varies between illness and mortality. In 2021, biological hazards—including viruses, bacteria, and parasitic infections—caused the vast majority of illnesses, totaling approximately 860 million cases.
However, chemical exposures drive a disproportionate number of deaths, accounting for 73% of contaminated food fatalities in 2021. Inorganic arsenic and lead were the primary drivers, linked to 42% and 31% of these chemical-related deaths, respectively, due to increased risks of cancer and heart disease.
The Economic Toll of Unsafe Food
The impact of foodborne disease extends beyond physical health and into global economics. In 2021, these illnesses led to an estimated US$ 310 billion in lost productivity due to time away from work.
When adjusted for cost-of-living differences between various countries, the economic impact rises significantly to an estimated US$ 647 billion in lost productivity.
A Roadmap for Future Prevention
New analysis covering 194 countries from 2000 to 2021 has expanded the evidence base to include 42 major hazards, including rotavirus and the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This data allows governments to identify where the burden is highest and prioritize interventions.
Experts suggest that a “One Health” approach—which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment—is essential. This strategy may help break down silos between the agriculture, environment, and health sectors.
Potential Next Steps for Global Health
With the availability of national-level data, governments may now be able to implement stricter industrial controls and better agricultural practices to prevent contamination at the source.
Future efforts could focus on strengthening surveillance and increasing research investment to track hazards that currently lack sufficient data, such as pesticide residues and PFAS. Such actions may be necessary to mitigate the compounding effects of antimicrobial resistance and climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals are most linked to foodborne deaths?
Inorganic arsenic and lead are the primary chemical hazards, accounting for 42% and 31% of chemical-related foodborne deaths, respectively.
How does unsafe food affect the development of children?
Exposure to chemical hazards such as lead and methylmercury can harm the developing brain, potentially leading to lifelong neurological and developmental problems.
What is the “One Health” approach mentioned by experts?
It is an integrated strategy that combines human, animal, plant, and environmental health to tackle food safety threats more effectively.
How can communities better support the transition toward a “One Health” approach in their local food systems?