Soil contamination by metal(loid)s stems from numerous anthropogenic sources, including agriculture, industrial activities, waste disposal, accidental spills, and mining. These contaminants threaten soil biota and ecosystem health. Metal(loid) pollution is harmful because these elements persist in the environment for longer periods and can bioaccumulate in organisms. Toxic metal(loid)s can enter the food webs, intensifying their harmful effects on crop plants, animals, and humans. This chapter reviews the highly toxic metal(loid) contaminants—cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, and arsenic-based on studies from 2014 to 2025. By examining their origins, pathways, and impacts, we aim to support mitigation efforts and promote ecological and public health protection. Literature reveals widespread soil contamination, leading to bioconcentration of hazardous metal(loid)s in staple grains, tubers, forages, feed ingredients, and vegetable, and contamination of freshwater and marine ecosystems. These accumulations have caused dangerously high metal(loid) levels in terrestrial and aquatic food chains. Many studies report toxic metal(loid) levels in food staples, fish, meat, poultry, and dairy. Consuming these contaminated products exposes humans—especially children and vulnerable groups—to health risks. In response, a seven-pronged strategy was proposed to address the threats of this developmental crisis comprising of effective regulatory control, policy reforms and monitoring, soil rehabilitation or remediation, holistic agroecological management, integrated soil, water, and waste management, community capacity building through engagement, and research, innovation, and trans-national cooperation. Fostering community resilience depends on empowering local actors with knowledge, building adaptive governance, and inculcating agro-ecological solutions that restore soil health and protect food systems.