Can Babies Get Sick from Drinking Honey?

Can Babies Get Sick from Drinking Honey?

Honey often contains Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Generally, these bacteria are harmless to older children and adults. However, if ingested by infants, they can produce toxins that cause infant botulism. It is not yet clear why botulinum bacteria are harmful to infants but not to older children and adults.

Infant botulism is a rare but very serious form of food poisoning. It can damage an infant's nervous system and can be fatal. Common symptoms of infant botulism include:

• Persistent constipation;
• Floppy limbs and neck;
• Weak cry due to muscle weakness;
• Poor feeding and weak sucking;
• Lethargy and fatigue.