Contaminated food results in roughly 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year globally, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization.
Young children carry a disproportionate share of the health burden, representing nearly one third of all foodborne disease cases despite constituting only 9% of the world's population. The age group experiences nearly three times the illness rate of older children and adults.
Chemical contaminants were responsible for 73% of deaths from contaminated food in 2021, with inorganic arsenic and lead together linked to more than 1 million deaths in a single year. These metals raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancers, and can also harm the developing brain in children, resulting in lifelong neurological damage.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the estimates gave countries data to identify where the burden was greatest. "With that knowledge, governments can prioritize the actions needed to protect people's health," he said.
The analysis of 42 major hazards across 194 countries from 2000 to 2021 found Africa and South-East Asia together shouldered nearly three-quarters of all foodborne illnesses and 60% of global deaths. The economic impact totalled $310 billion in lost productivity in 2021.
WHO urged governments to prevent contamination at source through improved agricultural practices, tighter industrial controls and stronger environmental regulations. The findings were published in The Lancet Global Health ahead of World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2026.