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Information Update - Preventing Botulism in Infants
OTTAWA, Dec. 4, 2012, 2012 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Health Canada is advising parents and
caregiversnotto feed honey to infants less than one year of age.
Honey is the only food in Canada to which infant botulism has been
linked. Healthy children over one year of age can safely eat honey
because they have a very low risk of developing infant botulism.
Infant botulism is caused by bacteria calledClostridium botulinum, which commonly exist in nature. Although the bacteria are unable to
grow and produce toxins in honey, they may grow and produce toxins in
the baby's body should an infant consume honey and could cause
paralysis.
Since the first reported case in 1979, there have been 42 reported cases
of infant botulism in Canada. Parents and caregivers can prevent infant
botulism by never feeding honey to infants less than one year of age.
This includesneveradding honey to baby food andnever using honey on a soother.
Most honey produced in Canada is not contaminated with the bacteria that
cause infant botulism, however you are better off playing it safe.
The bacteria that cause botulism are microscopic and do not change the
colour, odour or taste of food. The bacteria are not destroyed by
cooking or pasteurization.
For more information on infant botulism and food safety, please visit:
Healthy Canadians - Infant Botulism
Health Canada - It's Your Health on Infant Botulism
Public Health Agency of Canada - Botulism
Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Pathogen: Clostridium botulinum
Également disponible en francais
SOURCE: Health Canada
To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2012/04/c6085.html
SOURCE: Health Canada
SOURCE: Government of Canada
Media Enquiries: Health Canada (613) 957-2983 Public Enquiries: (613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
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