.jpg?width=1170&height=582&name=Adobe%20Express%20-%20file%20(79).jpg)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that its long-awaited update on global foodborne illness figures will not be released until early 2026.
The report was originally expected in late 2025, but WHO extended its consultation period with member states to ensure each country could review its preliminary data.
This delay means countries will continue using older 2015 data a little longer. While the update will provide clearer insight into global risks, food businesses can still rely on existing standards and training to keep customers safe.
A WHO spokesperson explained:
“The official consultation with WHO member states, during which each country had the opportunity to review and comment on its national estimates, was completed this summer, and we are now including additional national input to refine the estimates further. So, the process to finalize the estimates is already well underway.”
WHO also noted that “unforeseen changes” made the original schedule “no longer feasible,” leading to a new release date in the first quarter of 2026.
What the New WHO Foodborne Illness Report Will Cover
The updated estimates are being developed by the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG). This technical advisory group is reviewing over two decades of global data to better understand how foodborne illness risks have evolved.
Food-Related Hazards Assessed in the New Data Set
FERG is analyzing infection data from 2000 to 2021 across 42 hazards. These include:
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Viruses
- Selected chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead
The expanded data timeframe and hazard list aim to give health authorities a clearer understanding of long-term shifts in food safety.
New Pathogens Included in Updated Estimates
The upcoming report includes organisms that were not examined in the 2015 estimates. Examples include:
- Entero-aggregative E. coli (EAEC)
- Rotavirus
These additions reflect significant improvements in surveillance and laboratory diagnostics worldwide that allow for more accurate identification of these pathogens during testing.
What This Delay Means for the United States
The United States relies on WHO’s global figures to help benchmark risk trends, strengthen federal policy development and support national food safety education strategies.
Until the updated report is published, regulators, educators and food businesses will continue referencing WHO’s 2015 estimates, which found that unsafe food caused more than 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year worldwide.
While the U.S. maintains robust national surveillance programs, the updated WHO data will help:
- Compare risk patterns between regions
- Identify new or emerging foodborne hazards
- Understand global shifts linked to climate, trade or supply chain changes
Reminder: If you rely on state or local data for training or compliance, always check with your local health department for the most current requirements.
How the Delay Affects Global Food Safety Planning
Delays in WHO reporting don’t just affect health agencies. They also influence economic and policy decisions around the world.
The World Bank has previously estimated that foodborne illness costs low and middle-income countries around $110 billion (USD) annually in medical expenses and productivity losses. Updated WHO data helps governments and food businesses justify continued investment in prevention, especially when budget allocations depend on current risk data.
What Food Businesses Should Do While Waiting for New WHO Data
Food businesses do not need to wait for updated global figures to strengthen food safety. The fundamentals remain the same. Proper training, strong hygiene practices and consistent oversight still form the backbone of prevention.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
- Review your current food safety procedures and update them if needed
- Confirm staff have valid Food Handler Certification
- Ensure a certified Food Protection Manager is on duty where required
- Reinforce illness reporting and exclusion policies
- Encourage strong hand washing and sanitation habits
Preparing for the 2026 Who Food Safety Update
The updated WHO foodborne illness estimates are expected in early 2026 and will offer important global insight. Until then, food businesses can stay protected by following current standards, reinforcing training and prioritizing safe practices daily.
If you or your team need training, Userve offers flexible, online options designed for U.S. regulations. Strengthen your workplace safety and stay ahead of emerging risks with practical, up-to-date guidance.
Userve delivers relevant, up-to-date training and resources that support individuals and businesses in managing new and evolving risks. For more insights and the latest food safety updates, take a look at our latest blog posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will WHO release the new global foodborne illness estimates?
WHO expects to publish the updated data set in the first quarter of 2026.
What hazards are included in the new WHO report?
The review covers 42 hazards from 2000–2021, including bacteria, parasites, viruses and selected chemicals.
Does the delay change current food safety standards in the United States?
No. Existing regulations and best practices remain valid and enforceable.
Why are up-to-date WHO foodborne illness estimates important?
WHO data helps countries understand global trends, compare regional risks and plan future training and policy initiatives.
Can food businesses still improve food safety without the new data?
Yes. Training, strong hygiene protocols and active supervision continue to prevent most foodborne illness risks.
