Does Manuka Honey Contain Botulism Spores?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), honey is the one identified and avoidable dietary source of the bacteria that causes infant botulism. This includes Manuka honey, as it can potentially contain the spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for the rare but serious illness.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey, like all honey, can contain dormant Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmless to most adults but pose a serious risk of infant botulism for babies under one year old due to their immature digestive systems. This article explains the science behind this risk and offers safety advice for consumers.

Key Points

Infants and Honey Risk: All honey, including Manuka, can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are dangerous for infants under 12 months and can cause infant botulism.
Adult Safety: The mature digestive system of adults and older children is equipped to handle C. botulinum spores without harm, making honey safe for consumption after age one.
Processing is Ineffective: The pasteurization process used for some honey does not reach temperatures high enough to destroy botulism spores.
Undetectable Threat: Botulism spores and toxins cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in honey, so visual inspection is not a reliable safety measure.
Broader Exposure: Even honey used in cooked or processed foods can be a risk for infants, so it's important to check all ingredient lists.
Recognize Symptoms: Caregivers should be aware of infant botulism symptoms, such as constipation, muscle weakness, and a weak cry, and seek immediate medical help if they appear.

Understanding the Botulism Risk in Honey

The bacteria Clostridium botulinum is commonly found in soil and dust. Spores from this bacteria can be picked up by bees and subsequently contaminate honey during the production process. For most healthy individuals over the age of one, these spores are not a threat. The mature digestive system contains sufficient acids and beneficial bacteria to prevent the spores from germinating and producing the harmful botulinum toxin. However, infants under 12 months old have an underdeveloped intestinal tract, which lacks the necessary defenses to inhibit the growth of these spores. If ingested, the spores can colonize the infant's gut, multiply, and release the potent neurotoxin, leading to infant botulism.

Why Manuka Honey is Not an Exception

Despite its potent antibacterial properties attributed to compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), Manuka honey is not immune to containing Clostridium botulinum spores. The antibacterial strength of the honey is not effective enough to neutralize these hardy spores, which are resistant to heat and other processing methods. Therefore, the same precautions that apply to regular honey must also be observed for Manuka honey. All types of honey, whether raw, pasteurized, or special varieties like Manuka, carry this inherent risk for infants.

The Role of Honey Processing

Many consumers believe that pasteurization, a heating process used for some honey, eliminates the botulism risk. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Pasteurization in honey is typically used to prevent crystallization and improve its visual appeal, not for safety against bacterial spores. The temperatures used are not high enough to kill Clostridium botulinum spores. Manufacturers of both Manuka and other honeys are aware of this, which is why most reputable honey products carry a warning label advising against feeding it to infants under one year of age.

Common Misconceptions vs. Facts about Honey Safety


Feature	Common Misconception	Scientific Fact
Manuka Honey	Its special antibacterial properties prevent botulism.	The antibacterial effects do not destroy the botulism spores.
Pasteurization	Heating honey makes it safe for infants.	Pasteurization temperatures are insufficient to kill botulism spores.
Adult Risk	Adults can get botulism from honey.	Healthy adults and children over one have mature digestive systems that prevent spores from germinating.
Symptoms	You can detect botulism by smelling or seeing it.	Botulism spores and toxins are undetectable by sight, smell, or taste.
Infant Exposure	Only direct ingestion of honey is a risk.	Processed foods containing honey, such as certain crackers, also pose a risk for infants.

How to Protect Infants from Botulism

Protecting your infant is straightforward by following these clear guidelines:

Avoid all honey: Do not give any type of honey, including Manuka, to infants under 12 months old. This applies to honey added to foods, water, or formula.
Check food labels: Carefully read the ingredients of any processed food, like honey graham crackers, to ensure they do not contain honey.
Don't use honey pacifiers: Do not give honey pacifiers or soothers to infants.
Be aware of environmental exposure: While less controllable, remember that botulism spores are common in the environment (soil, dust), and some cases occur without direct honey exposure.
Seek immediate medical attention: If an infant displays symptoms of botulism—such as lethargy, constipation, a weak cry, or muscle weakness—seek emergency medical help immediately.

The Safe Consumption of Manuka Honey for Adults

For adults and children over the age of one, Manuka honey is generally considered safe and can be consumed without concern for botulism. Its unique properties and potential health benefits are highly sought after. However, it is crucial to ensure that any Manuka honey consumed is authentic and sourced from a reputable producer. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) and MGO rating systems provide assurance of quality and authenticity, confirming the honey has been tested and meets specific standards.

In conclusion, while Manuka honey offers many potential health benefits for adults, it is not a safe option for infants under one year old. The potential presence of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to the serious illness of infant botulism, necessitates strict adherence to medical advice. The key takeaway is simple: no honey for infants, and for everyone else, enjoy this unique product safely and responsibly. For additional guidance on infant health and botulism prevention, the CDC provides comprehensive resources.

Conclusion: Navigating Manuka Honey and Botulism

Every variety of honey, including highly-regarded Manuka honey, carries a risk of infant botulism due to the potential presence of Clostridium botulinum spores. For adults and children over one, this risk is negligible because of mature digestive systems that can neutralize the spores. However, the immature gut flora of infants under 12 months cannot do this, making any honey a serious health risk for this age group. No amount of processing or special grading can guarantee the elimination of these resilient spores. By understanding the distinction between adult and infant vulnerability, caregivers can make informed decisions to protect their youngest family members while still enjoying the benefits of honey for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never give Manuka honey to an infant under 12 months old, regardless of its antibacterial properties. The risk of infant botulism is serious and outweighs any potential benefits.

No, pasteurization does not eliminate the risk. The temperatures used to pasteurize honey are not high enough to kill the resilient Clostridium botulinum spores.

Yes, a breastfeeding mother can safely consume honey. The botulism spores are not transmitted through breast milk.

Health experts recommend waiting until your child is at least one year old before introducing honey into their diet. By this age, their digestive system is developed enough to handle the spores.

While it is extremely rare, adults with certain gastrointestinal conditions or severely compromised immune systems may have a heightened risk, similar to infants. Anyone with such health concerns should consult their doctor.

There is no way to detect the presence of botulism spores or toxins in honey by sight, smell, or taste. Sophisticated laboratory testing is required.

The initial signs of infant botulism often include constipation, followed by general weakness, a weak cry, reduced appetite, and a 'floppy' appearance.