The Staggering Price Tag of Our Broken Food System: $12.7 Trillion

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a report revealing that the hidden costs of the world's food system amount to $12.7 trillion annually, equivalent to around 10 percent of global GDP. The report highlights the impact on health, society, and the environment embedded in the current food system. The largest hidden costs are associated with diets leading to obesity and non-communicable diseases, followed by environmental impacts. The costs vary significantly between countries, with low-income countries experiencing higher costs related to poverty. The FAO emphasizes the need for government action, individual choices, and responsible behavior from the food industry to address these hidden costs.