Tag: Botulism in honey

According to a 2025 review in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, honey is valued for its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. But with many varieties on the market, is 100% pure honey good for you, and how does it compare to raw or processed alternatives?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive intake of any added sugar, whether from honey or table sugar, can increase the risk of health conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The question of which is "safer" is nuanced, depending on factors like age, processing, and moderation.

Over 90% of infant botulism cases are linked to ingesting *Clostridium botulinum* spores, which are often found in honey. The critical fact is that you cannot visually inspect, smell, or taste if honey has botulism spores or toxins. Safety relies purely on prevention and knowing the symptoms if exposure occurs, especially for vulnerable populations like infants.

Archaeologists have discovered edible honey thousands of years old in ancient tombs, a testament to its incredible longevity. While honey's unique properties give it a near-indefinite shelf life, improper storage can lead to spoilage. So, will spoiled honey make you sick? It is possible, especially if fermentation occurs due to water contamination.