WHO: Contaminated Food Causes 86.6 Million Illnesses, 1.5 Million Deaths Annually
Summary
The World Health Organization reports that contaminated food causes 86.6 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually, with children under five highly vulnerable. Africa and Southeast Asia bear the highest burden.
Key Points
- Approximately 86.6 million people fall ill each year due to contaminated food globally, causing 1.5 million deaths.
- Children under five years old are three times more likely to fall ill from contaminated food than other age groups.
- Biological factors cause most foodborne diseases, but chemical pollution accounts for 73% of related deaths.
- Africa and Southeast Asia account for about three-fourths of foodborne illnesses and 60% of deaths globally.
