Babies under the age of 1 should not consume raw honey due to the risk of infant botulism. This is a rare but serious type of food poisoning caused by the spores of a certain type of bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, that can be found in soil and raw honey. These bacteria produce a toxin that can cause paralysis and other severe symptoms in infants, so it is not recommended for them to consume raw honey.
Instead, it is recommended that parents offer their babies only pasteurized or sterilized honey, as the heating process destroys the botulinum spores and reduces the risk of infant botulism.
However, it is still not recommended to introduce honey to babies until they are at least 6 months old, as their digestive systems are not yet fully developed and may not be able to properly process the sugars and other components in honey.
In conclusion, while honey can be a nutritious and delicious food for adults, it is not recommended for babies under the age of 1 due to the risk of infant botulism. Parents should offer only pasteurized or sterilized honey to their babies, and wait until they are at least 6 months old to introduce it into their diet.