The World Health Organization (WHO) serves as the cornerstone of international efforts to combat foodborne diseases, which sicken 600 million people and cause 420,000 deaths annually , disproportionately affecting children under five and low-income populations. Through science-driven strategies and coordinated governance, WHO addresses this pervasive public health threat across 194 member states.

Surveillance and Burden Assessment

A core WHO function involves quantifying the global impact of foodborne hazards. In 2015, the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) published landmark estimates: 31 biological and chemical hazards cause 33 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost yearly, with diarrheal agents like norovirus and Campylobacter as leading culprits

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