WHO Issues Warning: Unsafe Food Claims 1.5 Million Lives Annually

Every year, unsafe food causes illnesses in more than 860 million people worldwide and leads to 1.5 million deaths. This shocking statistic was released by the World Health Organization on the eve of World Food Safety Day, which is observed on June 7.

In its new report, the WHO emphasizes that contaminated or improperly processed foods continue to pose a serious threat to public health, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.

Every year, unsafe food causes illnesses in more than 860 million people worldwide and leads to 1.5 million deaths. This shocking statistic was released by the World Health Organization on the eve of World Food Safety Day, which is observed on June 7.

In its new report, the WHO emphasizes that contaminated or improperly processed foods continue to pose a serious threat to public health, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.

"Food safety touches every meal, every family, and every day," stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

According to him, the issue of unsafe food has long been underestimated in terms of human and economic losses. Now, countries have the opportunity to assess their own burden of disease and identify the most problematic areas.

According to the organization's data, in 2021 alone, illnesses caused by low-quality food led to global economic losses of approximately 310 billion dollars due to reduced labor productivity.

The WHO believes that a significant portion of these illnesses and deaths can be prevented. This requires improved sanitation, access to clean water, compliance with food safety standards, including pasteurization, as well as increased accessibility to medical care.

Separately, experts warned about the growing impact of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, according to the organization's estimates, will intensify the risks of foodborne disease transmission.