WHO to Release New Foodborne Disease Estimates for World Food Safety Day

The World Health Organization will release the 2026 edition of the Foodborne Disease Estimates, a report that compiles and analyzes data on food safety risks and hazards worldwide, in June as part of its World Food Safety Day campaign. World Food Safety Day is June 7, with the theme “From burden to solutions — safe food everywhere.”

Since 2018, WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have jointly observed World Food Safety Day to raise awareness about the importance of food safety. This year, the two organizations are highlighting the critical role that data plays in shaping priorities and policies to strengthen food safety. The theme places emphasis on understanding and addressing the global burden of foodborne disease.

Foodborne Disease Estimates.

The first edition of WHO’s Foodborne Disease Estimates, published in 2015, was the result of a multi-year global study and provided the first comprehensive estimates of incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with 31 foodborne hazards.

The 2026 report, which FAO said will be published in June, will revisit those same 31 hazards and expand the analysis to include additional hazards, as well as four heavy metals — arsenic, cadmium, lead and methylmercury.

Campaign Details.

The campaign will not only draw attention to where the burden of foodborne disease lies, but also spotlight evidence of what works, said FAO. By showcasing data on effective interventions and successful country experiences, it aims to demonstrate how concerted, science-based action can reduce risks, improve public health outcomes and provide practical models adaptable to different contexts and tools.

“Foodborne diseases continue to impose a heavy burden, but they are largely preventable,” said Markus Lipp, senior food safety and quality officer, FAO. “Through science-based standards and close collaboration with governments, FAO will continue to support tailored solutions that turn data into action and strengthen national food control systems.”

FAO and WHO have produced a “Get Started Toolkit” to help participants organize World Food Safety Day activities and share them. The toolkit walks users through the theme and provides ideas on how to celebrate, with key messages and links to a range of communications assets to help event organizers promote the day. 

Save the Date.

A “get ready” webinar will take place on April 7, said FAO, with World Food Safety Day teams from FAO and WHO discussing the theme and communications tools available for this year’s celebration. 

For updates, visit the World Food Safety Day website and the @FAOWHOCodex X account.