The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed alarming statistics regarding food safety, indicating that unsafe food leads to 1.5 million deaths and 860 million illnesses annually. This report underscores the urgent need for improved food safety practices, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Children under five are disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly a third of foodborne disease cases. This demographic faces a threefold risk compared to older children and adults, highlighting a critical public health issue that demands immediate attention.
The economic impact is also significant, with foodborne diseases costing approximately $310 billion in lost productivity in 2021 alone. The WHO emphasizes that many of these illnesses could be prevented through better sanitation, hygiene, and food safety measures.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate food safety risks, with extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions likely to increase the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. Governments are urged to act on this data to protect public health and address inequalities in food systems.
Source: Euronews
