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WHO estimates unsafe food caused 866 million illnesses in 2021
New estimates show children under five carry a disproportionate foodborne disease burden relative to their population share.
Event / data period: 2026-06-04
Published: · Updated:
IllustrationWHO estimated about 860 million illnesses from biological food hazards in 2021; all hazards cause about 1.5 million deaths annually.
Under-fives were 9% of the population but nearly one third of cases. The update covers 42 hazards and 194 countries.
Data
Foodborne disease burden
WHO estimates updated for 2021.
- Illnesses from biological hazards
- 860 million illnesses
- 2021 · Estimate
- Estimated annual deaths from all hazards
- 1.5 million deaths
- 2021 · Estimate
- Approximate case share among under-fives
- 33 percent approximately
- 2021 · Estimate
Methodology
Biological-hazard illness and annual all-hazard death estimates are distinct.
Updated: