Why are babies and children 1 1/2 years and younger NOT allowed to have honey?
Some pediatricians recommend that honey should not be fed to babies and children under the age of 1 1/2 years, because of the possibility that Clostridium Botulinum spores (the cause of infant botulism) could be present in honey. Spores of this bacteria do not germinate in the acidic adult digestive system, but may grow in the gut of young infants, because they do not have a well-developed intestinal system. However, cases of infant botulism are extremely rare, and spores of the disease are present in the soil and in a range of common foods, especially raw foods.
Some pediatricians recommend that honey should not be fed to babies and children under the age of 1 1/2 years, because of the possibility that honey could contain clostridium botulinum spores, the cause of infant botulism. Spores of this bacteria do not germinate in the acidic adult digestive system, but may grow in the gut of young infants, because they do not have a well-developed digestive system. However, cases of infant botulism are extremely rare, and spores of the disease are present in the soil and in a range of common foods, especially raw foods. It is important that pasteurized honey not be given to children 1 1/2 years and younger. Pasteurized honey is a known source of bacterial spores that produce the toxin which can cause infant botulism. It is rare, but this serious form of food poisoning will affect the nervous system of babies and can result in death! Manuka Honey however is 100% pure, raw, natural un-pasteurized honey and can therefore be enjoyed by children of all ag
