U.K.’s FSA Warns Parents On Risks Of Feeding Honey To Babies

June 2, 2010: 08:50 PM EST

Honey should not be fed to ease coughing in babies under one year old because of the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness, the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency said in a warning to parents. A younger baby’s gut is not sufficiently developed to be able to fight off the botulism bacteria, the FSA said. Although there have been only 11 cases of infant botulism in the last three decades, three have been in the last year, all linked to honey. The agency suggested that babies consume only breast milk or infant formula during the first six months. Infant botulism causes muscle weakness and breathing problems, often resulting in hospital treatment. Although recovery can be slow, almost all babies recover full, the FSA said.

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U.K.’s FSA Warns Parents On Risks Of Feeding Honey To Babies

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