Food safety
No honey for infants under one
Give no honey to a baby under one year, including honey added to food or drinks. Tell every carer not to put honey on a dummy or in a bottle.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Honey can cause infant botulism in babies younger than one year.
Wrong action
Adding a little honey to milk or a dummy because it is natural.
Correct action
Give no honey to a baby under one year, including honey added to food or drinks.
What to do
- Confirm the baby's age and check whether food contains honey.
- Give no honey to a baby under one year, including honey added to food or drinks.
- Tell every carer not to put honey on a dummy or in a bottle.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: infants and children
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.