General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO’s 2026 foodborne-disease estimates.
Why are young children highlighted in WHO’s estimates?
WHO reports that children under five face almost three times the risk of illness from unsafe food compared with older children and adults.
How large is their share of the burden?
Although young children represent about 9% of the global population, WHO estimates that they experience nearly one third of foodborne-disease cases.
What kinds of hazards are included?
WHO’s expanded assessment covers biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses and parasites as well as chemical hazards in food.
Are all regions affected equally?
No. WHO reports major regional inequalities, with particularly high burdens in Africa and South-East Asia.
Population estimates cannot identify the cause of an individual illness. This page does not determine whether a particular food caused a child’s symptoms.
References
- World Health Organization. Unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually, young children at highest risk, 4 June 2026.