Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that can cause infant botulism disease. Although the case was rare, the disease can have serious consequences.
Warning of the dangers of honey to the baby back delivered by experts from The Food Standards Agency, UK, after the occurrence of three cases of botulism disease last year. Earlier in the past 30 years there were only 11 reports of disease botulism.
In the infant digestive system is not perfect, the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can grow and produce a deadly toxin causes botulism.
Babies with botulism will experience muscle weakness and respiratory problems. Therefore, mothers are advised not to give honey, even as medicine or food sweetener.
"Babies younger than six months should be given only breast milk. Although honey efficacious cure a cough, you should not give to babies because botulism is a serious disease. The risk is not worth the benefits," said Sam Montel, nutritionist from the Food Standards Agency.
When the baby is introduced to solid foods, parents are advised to avoid sugar-sweetened food or provide food and sweet drinks.