The WHO report is based on analysis of data from 194 countries between 2000 and 2021. A total of 886 million people fall ill each year after consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals.
The worst affected are children, who are almost three times more likely to fall ill from unsafe food.
Africa and Southeast Asia account for two-thirds of the disease cases and 60 percent of the deaths.
Bacteria and viruses account for most of the illnesses, while chemicals account for a disproportionate share of the deaths. Arsenic and lead are responsible for most of these poisonings.
The cost of foodborne illnesses is estimated at $647 billion a year.
