Honey can contain the bacteria that causes infant botulism, so do not feed honey to children younger than 12 months. Honey is safe for people 1 year of age and older. Learn more about infant botulism from the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program .
How likely is botulism from honey?
Honey is one of the most common sources of botulism. About 20 percent of botulism cases involve honey or corn syrup. One 2018 study looked at 240 multifloral honey samples from Poland. The researchers found that 2.1 percent of the samples contained the bacteria responsible for producing the botulinum neurotoxin.
Can a small amount of honey cause botulism?
Infant botulism can also occur if a baby eats food in which C. botulinum spores have multiplied and produced the toxin. Infant botulism has been associated with raw honey. Avoid giving raw honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under age 1.
How common is infant botulism from honey?
According to microbiologic testing, up to 25 percent of honey products have been found to contain spores. A history of honey consumption is seen in 15 percent of the botulism cases reported to the CDC. As a result, honey should not be given to infants younger than one year.
Why do adults not get botulism from honey?
The bacteria can get on surfaces like carpets and floors and also can contaminate honey. That's why babies younger than 1 year old should never be given honey. These bacteria are harmless to older kids and adults. That's because their mature digestive systems can move the toxins through the body before they cause harm.
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