What are the risks of consuming raw honey?

Risks of Consuming Raw Honey

Raw honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism, which can cause life-threatening paralysis and respiratory failure. 1

Infant Botulism Risk

• Raw honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can colonize an infant's immature gut, leading to in vivo toxin production and infant botulism 1, 2
• Multiple studies have confirmed the presence of C. botulinum spores in honey samples across the United States 2
• Infant botulism has been directly linked to honey consumption in epidemiological studies, with approximately 30-35% of hospitalized infant botulism cases having a history of honey exposure 2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explicitly recommends against giving honey to infants younger than 12 months old 1

Why Infants Are Particularly Vulnerable

• Infants under one year have immature intestinal flora that cannot prevent C. botulinum colonization and toxin production 3
• The mature gut flora of individuals over 12 months typically prevents colonization, making botulism from ingested spores rare in older children and adults 2
• Infant botulism can cause severe symptoms including constipation, weakness, poor feeding, and potentially respiratory failure 3

Other Potential Contaminants in Raw Honey

• Beyond C. botulinum, raw honey may contain various microorganisms including other bacteria and fungi 4
• Studies have identified potential contaminants in honey including:
  • Pesticide residues 5
  • Antibiotic residues (from bee treatments) 5
  • Heavy metals 5
  • Various bacterial and fungal species 4

Safety for Adults and Children Over 12 Months

• For individuals over 12 months of age with normal immune function, the risk of illness from raw honey consumption is generally low 4
• The mature gut flora in older children and adults typically prevents C. botulinum colonization and toxin production 2
• However, immunocompromised individuals may face higher risks from any potential pathogens in raw honey 4

Recommendations for Safe Honey Consumption

• Never feed honey (raw or processed) to infants under 12 months of age 1, 2
• Store honey properly to prevent contamination 5
• Consider pasteurized honey products if you have concerns about potential contaminants 5
• Be aware that honey from unknown sources may carry additional risks 5

Cultural Considerations and Education Needs

• Despite safety warnings, cultural beliefs and practices may lead to continued feeding of honey to infants 3
• Recent research (2024) shows that even in areas with high education levels, many parents (15.8% in one study) still feed honey to infants under 12 months 3
• Educational interventions should address both the risks and the cultural beliefs about honey's benefits 3