WHO Reports 866 Million Illnesses and 1.5 Million Deaths Annually Due to Unsafe Food
866 million illnesses, 1.5 million deaths every year due to unsafe food: WHO
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that unsafe food causes approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year, significantly impacting young children. The report emphasizes the need for improved food safety measures and highlights the economic toll of foodborne diseases, estimated at $310 billion in lost productivity.
- 01Young children, comprising only 9% of the global population, account for nearly one-third of foodborne illnesses.
- 02In 2021, chemical hazards were responsible for 73% of food-related deaths, primarily due to inorganic arsenic and lead.
- 03Foodborne diseases resulted in an estimated loss of $310 billion in productivity in 2021.
- 04Africa and Southeast Asia account for nearly 75% of foodborne illnesses and 60% of related deaths globally.
- 05WHO urges governments to enhance agricultural practices, enforce stricter industrial controls, and implement robust environmental regulations.
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Ahead of World Food Safety Day on June 7, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released alarming statistics indicating that unsafe food leads to approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year. Children are particularly vulnerable, representing nearly one-third of foodborne cases despite being only 9% of the global population. The report highlights that in 2021, 73% of deaths from contaminated food were linked to chemical hazards, primarily inorganic arsenic and lead, which contribute to heart disease and cancer. The economic impact is substantial, with foodborne diseases costing about $310 billion in lost productivity. WHO emphasizes the need for improved food safety measures, calling on governments to implement better agricultural practices and stricter regulations to prevent contamination. The report also points to regional disparities, with Africa and Southeast Asia bearing the brunt of foodborne illnesses. WHO's analysis, covering 42 foodborne hazards from 194 countries, serves as a critical resource for governments to prioritize health protection strategies.
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The high rates of foodborne illnesses and deaths highlight the urgent need for improved food safety measures, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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