Infant botulism is a rare but dangerous disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Therefore, honey should not be given to children under 12 months for consumption. Products such as baby food or cookies sweetened with honey are safe because they are highly heated, which kills the Clostridium spores. For children over one year and adults, honey is safe as the intestines are more developed and can better fend off harmful germs compared to infants. In babies, however, an infection can lead to severe paralysis. It is important to know that Clostridium botulinum is a spore-former. The spores naturally occur in honey – even with careful beekeeping practices. Possible sources include pollen, the digestive tract of bees, and environmental factors. At the BAV Institute, we regularly conduct tests for sulfite-reducing clostridia. We provide you with quick and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to help.
Source: www.laves.niedersachsen.de
