Superbugs Threaten Millions Of Lives And $2 Trillion Loss By 2050, Study Warns
The UK government-funded research, conducted by the Center for Global Development think tank, reveals that rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could cause annual global GDP losses of around \$1.7 trillion over the next 25 years. Wealthy nations such as the US, UK, and EU are expected to face some of the heaviest economic and health impacts.
The findings have sparked criticism over recent international aid cuts. The UK government recently announced the end of funding for the Fleming Fund, which helps combat AMR in low- and middle-income countries. Similarly, the Trump administration confirmed \$9 billion in cuts to its foreign aid budget, while several European nations have also reduced overseas aid spending.
Experts say such measures are short-sighted, as tackling AMR globally is vital to protect health systems and economies worldwide. Without urgent action, drug-resistant infections could become one of the biggest health and economic threats of the century.
Anthony McDonnell, the lead author of the research and a policy fellow at the Center for Global Development, told The Guardian:"When we conducted our research on the economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance, it was anticipated that resistance rates would continue to follow historical trends.
"However, the sudden cuts to Official Development Assistance by the US, which has cut its aid spend by roughly 80%; the UK, which has announced aid cuts from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income; and substantial reductions by France, Germany, and others, could drive up resistance rates in line with the most pessimistic scenario in our research.
"Even countries that have been successful in keeping AMR rates under control cannot afford to be complacent. Unless AMR programmes are protected from aid cuts, resistance rates across the world will likely increase at a rate in line with the worst-affected countries.
"This would result in millions more people dying worldwide, including across G7 nations. Investing in treatment for bacterial infections now will save lives and deliver billions in long-term economic returns."
The research calculated the economic and health burden of antibiotic resistance for 122 countries and forecast that in that in this most pessimistic scenario, by 2050, GDP losses in China could reach just under $722bn a year, the US $295.7bn, the EU $187bn, Japan $65.7bn and the UK $58.6bn.
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News lifestyle food-news 10 everyday foods banned in other countries you might still be eating Trending Kidney Health Parrot Early Wake Up Cancer Symptoms Aworana Fish White vs Brown Sugar vs Jaggery Ayurveda Beetroot Benefits UK Visa UK Immigration Rules Kidney Health Parrot Early Wake Up Cancer Symptoms Aworana Fish White vs Brown Sugar vs Jaggery Ayurveda Beetroot Benefits UK Visa UK Immigration Rules Kidney Health Parrot Early Wake Up Cancer Symptoms Aworana Fish White vs Brown Sugar vs Jaggery Ayurveda Beetroot Benefits UK Visa UK Immigration Rules Share AA + Text Size Small Medium Large Numerous everyday foods widely available in some countries are banned elsewhere due to health and safety concerns. These include bread with potassium bromate, farm-raised salmon, and certain instant noodles. Artificial food dyes, ractopamine in pork, and genetically modified foods also face restrictions or bans in various regions due to potential health risks like cancer, hyperactivity, and neurological issues. Some foods that seem totally normal in your local store are actually banned abroad due to serious health and safety concerns. While these items are widely available in many countries, others have outlawed them because of links to cancer, heart disease, allergies, or toxic contamination. From brightly coloured snacks filled with artificial dyes to chemical-laced sodas and hormone-injected meat, these so-called everyday foods might be putting your health at risk without you realising it. This list breaks down the most controversial everyday foods banned in other countries and why experts recommend reading labels carefully and making more informed food choices. Used to make dough rise faster, potassium bromate is a common bread additive in India and the US. But it's considered a potential carcinogen. That's why countries like the UK, Canada, Brazil, and the EU have banned it in all bakery products due to long-term cancer risk. Farm-raised salmon are often fed antibiotics and synthetic colour to appear pink. Studies have linked them to high levels of PCBs and dioxins. That's why Australia and New Zealand restrict this type of salmon, favouring wild-caught versions that are less contaminated and more nutritionally beneficial. The toy-filled Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the United States due to choking hazards, as food products cannot legally contain non-edible parts inside. While Kinder Joy is allowed in some areas due to its split packaging, traditional Kinder Surprise remains illegal in the U.S. Popular brands of instant noodles often contain MSG and TBHQ preservatives, which have been linked to nausea, headaches, and potential neurological issues in sensitive people. While not globally banned, several European countries have imposed restrictions or require explicit labelling due to health concerns. Bright-coloured candies and snacks often use food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Many of these dyes are banned or restricted in the EU and UK, while still widely used in other countries. Ractopamine, a drug used to increase lean meat in pigs, is banned in the EU, China, and Russia. It can cause heart palpitations and muscle tremors in humans if consumed in excess. Over 160 countries prohibit pork treated with ractopamine, but it's still common in the U.S. Also known as pufferfish, fugu is banned in the EU due to its deadly tetrodotoxin content. Even trained chefs risk serving it improperly. One wrong slice can result in death within hours. Despite the danger, it remains a prized delicacy in Japan under strict regulation. Some versions of Mountain Dew and citrus sodas use brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to keep flavours mixed. But BVO is also a flame retardant and can build up in fat tissue. That's why Japan and the European Union have banned it in all food products. Many processed foods contain GMOs—corn, soy, or canola genetically altered to resist pests or herbicides. While considered safe by some regulators, countries like France, Germany, and Russia ban or heavily restrict GMOs due to long-term environmental and health concerns, especially regarding biodiversity. Raw milk, or unpasteurised milk, can contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. While fans claim it has better nutrients, health agencies warn it can be dangerous—especially for kids and pregnant women. That's why countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of the U.S. have banned its retail sale. 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10 everyday foods banned in other countries you might still be eating
Some foods that seem totally normal in your local store are actually banned abroad due to serious health and safety concerns. While these items are widely available in many countries, others have outlawed them because of links to cancer, heart disease, allergies, or toxic contamination. From brightly coloured snacks filled with artificial dyes to chemical-laced sodas and hormone-injected meat, these so-called everyday foods might be putting your health at risk without you realising it. This list breaks down the most controversial everyday foods banned in other countries and why experts recommend reading labels carefully and making more informed food choices. 10 everyday foods banned in other countries Potassium bromate in bread Used to make dough rise faster, potassium bromate is a common bread additive in India and the US. But it's considered a potential carcinogen. That's why countries like the UK, Canada, Brazil, and the EU have banned it in all bakery products due to long-term cancer risk. Farm-raised salmon Farm-raised salmon are often fed antibiotics and synthetic colour to appear pink. Studies have linked them to high levels of PCBs and dioxins. That's why Australia and New Zealand restrict this type of salmon, favouring wild-caught versions that are less contaminated and more nutritionally beneficial. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Kinder Joy and Kinder Surprise The toy-filled Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the United States due to choking hazards, as food products cannot legally contain non-edible parts inside. While Kinder Joy is allowed in some areas due to its split packaging, traditional Kinder Surprise remains illegal in the U.S. Instant noodles with MSG Popular brands of instant noodles often contain MSG and TBHQ preservatives, which have been linked to nausea, headaches, and potential neurological issues in sensitive people. While not globally banned, several European countries have imposed restrictions or require explicit labelling due to health concerns. Artificial food dyes Bright-coloured candies and snacks often use food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Many of these dyes are banned or restricted in the EU and UK, while still widely used in other countries. Ractopamine pork Ractopamine, a drug used to increase lean meat in pigs, is banned in the EU, China, and Russia. It can cause heart palpitations and muscle tremors in humans if consumed in excess. Over 160 countries prohibit pork treated with ractopamine, but it's still common in the U.S. Fugu fish Also known as pufferfish, fugu is banned in the EU due to its deadly tetrodotoxin content. Even trained chefs risk serving it improperly. One wrong slice can result in death within hours. Despite the danger, it remains a prized delicacy in Japan under strict regulation. Mountain Dew Some versions of Mountain Dew and citrus sodas use brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to keep flavours mixed. But BVO is also a flame retardant and can build up in fat tissue. That's why Japan and the European Union have banned it in all food products. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) Many processed foods contain GMOs—corn, soy, or canola genetically altered to resist pests or herbicides. While considered safe by some regulators, countries like France, Germany, and Russia ban or heavily restrict GMOs due to long-term environmental and health concerns, especially regarding biodiversity. Raw milk Raw milk, or unpasteurised milk , can contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. While fans claim it has better nutrients, health agencies warn it can be dangerous—especially for kids and pregnant women. That's why countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of the U.S. have banned its retail sale. Also read| How a bowl of salt in fridge can stop smell and spoilage in monsoon
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