WHO warns: Contaminated food causes 1.5 million deaths annually

Food contaminated by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals causes around 1.5 million deaths every year worldwide, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report highlights food safety as a major global health concern, especially for young children.

The WHO analyzed data from 194 countries covering the period from 2000 to 2021. The study found that around 886 million people suffer from illnesses linked to unsafe food every year.

Children under the age of five are among the most vulnerable groups and are nearly three times more likely to be affected by older people.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that food safety is not just a health issue but something that affects people every day.

Food borne illnesses have generally decreased since 2000, major differences still exist between regions. Africa and Southeast Asia continue to face the greatest burden.

Together, these regions account for nearly 75% of all food related illnesses and 60% of food borne deaths worldwide. In 2021 alone, these hazards caused approximately 860 million cases of sickness. Common food borne diseases can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and, in severe cases, death.

While biological contaminants cause most illnesses, chemical contamination is responsible for a large share of deaths. The WHO identified arsenic and lead poisoning as the leading non-biological causes of food related deaths. 

WHO Technical Officer Yuki Minato warned that food borne diseases remain a serious global challenge. She explained that climate change is increasing the risk of food contamination by creating conditions that allow harmful microorganisms to grow more easily. 

The WHO also estimated that food borne diseases resulted in approximately $647 billion (₹61,978 Crores) in lost productivity in 2021. Sick workers, medical expenses, and reduced economic activity contribute significantly to these losses.