WHO report warns of global dangers from unsafe food

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report has sounded the alarm on the severe global impact of unsafe food.

Published in June 2026, the report reveals that contaminated food remains a massive public health crisis, leading to approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths every year.

Children under the age of five are hit the hardest, suffering nearly one-third of all foodborne illnesses despite making up only 9% of the population.

While bacteria and viruses cause the most infections, chemical hazards like arsenic and lead are responsible for the vast majority of food-related fatalities.

The burden is heavily concentrated in Africa and Southeast Asia, reflecting deep inequalities in sanitation and food systems.

However, the WHO emphasizes that these tragedies are largely preventable through better hygiene, clean water, and modern food safety protocols like pasteurization.