The WHO's updated data synthesis assessed the burden of 42 foodborne pathogens and chemicals, covering 194 countries, and involved researchers from Khon Kaen University on an international panel.
Key findings
- In 2021, 42 food hazards were associated with an estimated 866 million illnesses.
- Estimated approximately 1.52 million deaths and 57.1 million DALYs lost in health years.
- A national database from 2000-2021 helps countries rank risks and design more specific measures.
Why this matters globally
As a set of WHO estimates covering the global, regional and country levels, they have the potential to be used by governments and public health agencies in prioritizing food safety policy.
Thai researcher contribution
Professor Banchob Sripa of Khon Kaen University is a co-author and a member of the WHO Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group, reflecting Thailand's expertise in foodborne parasitic diseases.
Limitations to consider
The figures do not yet cover hazards for which there is insufficient information, such as drug resistance, pesticides and PFAS, and should not be interpreted as a total burden from food.