WHO: Chemical substances pose the greatest food safety risk

Unsafe food continues to cause widespread illness and death worldwide. According to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 866 million people became ill in 2021 after consuming unsafe food. The number of deaths reached 1.5 million. Notably, chemical contaminants were responsible for the majority of these deaths.

Chemical substances claim the most lives

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites accounted for the largest share of illness cases. The WHO estimates that these biological hazards were responsible for approximately 860 million cases of illness in 2021.

The picture was different when it came to mortality. Chemical hazards accounted for 73% of all deaths linked to contaminated food. Exposure to inorganic arsenic and lead played a particularly significant role. According to the WHO, these substances increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and various forms of cancer.

Methylmercury also poses risks. This substance can interfere with brain development. Young children are especially vulnerable. The effects can remain noticeable throughout life.

Young children especially vulnerable

Children under the age of five face an increased risk of illness from unsafe food. Although they make up around 9% of the global population, they account for nearly one-third of all illness cases linked to unsafe food. Diarrheal diseases are particularly common in this group.

“Food safety is not an abstract issue – it touches every meal, every family, every day,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Regional disparities remain significant

The WHO reports that the number of illness cases caused by unsafe food has declined since 2000. At the same time, major differences between regions remain. Africa and Southeast Asia together account for nearly three-quarters of all illness cases and 60% of all deaths.

The economic impact is also substantial. The WHO estimates that illness caused by unsafe food resulted in approximately US$310 billion in lost productivity in 2021.

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