Honey guide
From what age can children eat honey?
Infants under one year old should not be given honey. The reason is the risk of infant botulism, a rare illness.
The important note
In rare cases, honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In infants under one year old, this can lead to infant botulism. For this reason, infants under one year old should not be given honey, whether on its own, in tea, in porridge or in baked goods.
This applies to honey of any origin and any variety, including honey from a beekeeper.
Where to find reliable information
Reliable expert information is provided by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Your paediatrician is the best person to discuss any questions about your child's diet with, including when honey might be suitable. This page is not a substitute for medical advice.
Honey in a household with a baby
If an infant lives in the household, it's worth keeping honey and baked goods containing honey out of reach, and not using honey in baby food. You'll find general storage tips in our guide Storing honey properly.
More about honey
For advice on varieties and uses, see the variety guide and the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Can a baby eat honey?
No. Honey shouldn't be given to infants under one year old, due to the risk of infant botulism.
Does that also apply to honey in tea or baked goods?
Yes. This guidance applies to honey in any form, including tea, porridge and baked goods.
Where can I find reliable information?
From the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (bfr.bund.de) and from your child's paediatrician.