Health hazards
However, honey sometimes contains dormant endospores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be dangerous to infants, as the endospores can transform into toxin-producing bacteria in the infant's immature intestinal tract, leading to illness and even death[4] (see Health hazards below).
Botulism
Because of the natural presence of botulinum endospores in honey,[82] children under one year of age should not be given honey. The more-developed digestive system of older children and adults generally destroys the spores. Infants, however, can contract botulism from honey.[83] Medical grade honey can be treated with gamma radiation to reduce the risk of botulinum spores being present.[84] Gamma radiation evidently does not affect honey's antibacterial activity, whether or not the particular honey's antibacterial activity is dependent upon peroxide generation.[85]
Infantile botulism shows geographical variation. In the UK, only six cases have been reported between 1976 and 2006,[86] yet the U.S. has much higher rates: 1.9 per 100,000 live births, 47.2% of which are in California.[87] While the risk honey poses to infant health is small, it is recommended not to take the risk[88]
Toxic honey
Main article: Bees and toxic chemicals#Toxic honey
Honey produced from flowers of oleanders, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, sheep laurel, and azaleas may cause honey intoxication. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, nausea, and vomiting. Less commonly, low blood pressure, shock, heart rhythm irregularities, and convulsions may occur, with rare cases resulting in death. Honey intoxication is more likely when using "natural" unprocessed honey and honey from farmers who may have a small number of hives. Commercial processing, with pooling of honey from numerous sources, claims it dilutes any toxins but these findings are not verifiable.[89]
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