Who Should Avoid Eating Honey? Important Safety Information

Learn why infants should not eat honey due to the risk of botulism and how to keep your baby safe.

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Infants under one year old should not eat honey. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which may cause infant botulism—a rare but potentially fatal illness. The digestive systems of babies are not mature enough to handle these spores safely. It's best to avoid feeding honey to infants to mitigate this risk.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What age can babies start eating honey? Babies should not eat honey until they are at least one year old due to the risk of botulism.
  2. What are the symptoms of infant botulism? Symptoms can include constipation, weakness, and difficulty feeding. If you suspect botulism, seek medical help immediately.
  3. Are there alternatives to honey for babies? Yes, consider using natural fruit purees or other safe sweeteners once your baby is older and ready for solid foods.
  4. How is Clostridium botulinum transmitted? Clostridium botulinum spores can be found in honey and can produce toxins in the intestines of infants, leading to botulism.