Consumers should be aware that although honey represents a wholesome and desirable addition to the diet of adults and children, it may not be suitable for young infants (under 12 months). 

Honey is a non-essential part of the infant’s diet and carries a risk - albeit very low - of causing illness in young infants. 

Very occasionally, honey may contain low numbers of naturally occurring bacterial spores, which cannot be removed during honey processing. These are harmless to older children and adults. However, the young infant’s intestines may not be developed sufficiently to cope with these spores, so there is potential for them to grow and produce toxin (a poisonous substance produced by bacteria). This may lead to illness, which in serious cases may require hospitalization. The typical symptoms of this illness are constipation followed by general weakness, including weak sucking and hence poor feeding ability. 

It must be stressed that the chances of this occurring are very remote; no cases of illness have been shown to be caused by honey in the UK. Nevertheless, growing international evidence suggests that a risk exists, and this risk can be avoided. It is recommended, therefore, that honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age. 

The advice applies to all honey, except that used in commercially manufactured weaning foods because of the processing involved.