The article discusses the dynamics of the main food crises in the history of mankind. The factors that caused food threats are analyzed. The state of the modern world food market and its trends are assessed in the light of ongoing changes in the structure of production in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main global threats that entail violated world economic relations between countries in the process of a complete ban and quarantine measures have been identified. The main measures to reduce the predicted negative product effects are proposed. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.