Why is it wrong to give honey to an infant under the age of one year?

Because the intestinal environment of an infant under the age of one year is immature, botulinum bacilli, if contained in honey, may proliferate inside the intestine, causing “infant botulism”.

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[What is infant botulism?]
< What are the symptoms?>

• Symptoms include constipation, poor suckling, and reduction of vitality.
  Some fatal cases were reported in the past.

< Is it safe for adults?>

• Infant botulism is never experienced by children over the age of one year or in adults.

< Is honey safe if heated?>

• As botulinum bacilli are resistant against heat, they are not killed by ordinarily heating.
  Attention should also be paid to food products using honey (snacks, etc.).

Do not give honey to infants under the age of one year to prevent infant botulism.
Warn mothers and fathers who mainly take care of infants, but also other family members including grandmothers and grandfathers that honey should not be given to infants.