The World Health Organization (WHO) is advancing toward the release of its second comprehensive report on the global burden of foodborne diseases, mandated by World Health Assembly Resolution WHA 73.5. Scheduled for 2025, this landmark assessment will provide updated estimates of worldwide foodborne disease incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The initiative aims to quantify health impacts from physical, chemical, and microbial hazards in food, building upon the first edition published in 2010.
Expanded Methodology and Hazard Coverage
The 2025 estimates incorporate significant methodological advancements, extending coverage to 42 foodborne hazards, a substantial increase from the 31 hazards evaluated in 2010. New additions include four heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and methylmercury. Data collection leverages multiple streams:
- A global source attribution study by Delft University of Technology
- Systematic reviews of scientific literature on hazard-related health states
- Data partnerships with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
- Contributions from WHO departments including the Division of Data, Analytics, and Delivery for Impact.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and enhanced surveillance networks like PulseNet have strengthened pathogen tracking capabilities since the first report, enabling more precise linkage of illnesses to contamination sources.
National-Level Data and Country Consultations
For the first time, the estimates will be available at the national level. WHO has established a formal Country Consultation process, allowing designated National Focal Points to review draft estimates through a dedicated portal. This unprecedented granularity aims to support tailored food safety interventions in member states. The consultation includes access to methodological documents and country-specific data validation mechanisms, reflecting WHO’s commitment to transparency and collaborative policymaking.
Economic Impact Assessment
In partnership with the World Bank, WHO will estimate the economic burden of foodborne diseases using DALY-based calculations. A technical consultation in early 2025 will initiate this process, with final figures expected after 2026. This analysis seeks to translate health impacts into economic terms, addressing a critical gap in food safety advocacy. The 2010 report identified a $110 billion annual economic burden in low and middle-income countries, but emerging hazards like PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and climate-related risks necessitate updated figures.
Context and Global Significance
The forthcoming report responds to persistent food safety challenges highlighted by ongoing outbreaks. Recent incidents include:
- A Salmonella outbreak linked to U.S. eggs affecting 134 people
- A listeriosis outbreak in Ireland involving ready-to-heat meals
- Multistate Salmonella infections from frozen sprouted beans
These incidents highlight the critical need for evidence-based food safety policies. When released, the 2025 estimates will provide a scientific foundation for global interventions, resource allocation, and regulatory frameworks, potentially reshaping food safety governance worldwide. The WHO emphasizes that foodborne diseases remain a pervasive threat, causing an estimated 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually according to previous data.
The report’s national-level focus and economic metrics aim to empower governments to prioritize food safety investments commensurate with its demonstrated health and economic impacts.
