Doctors stern warning to parents after kitchen staple almost kills baby

Dr Samuel Choudhury posted on TikTok about a case whereby a healthy-born infant had to be admitted to ICU and end-of-life care was discussed after they had been given honey.

“Do not give this to infants!” the Singaporean GP said of honey, which can lead to infantile botulism.

Dr Choudhury said: “You see, about six to 10 percent of honey have been found to contain spores of [Clostridium botulinum] bacteria.

“And while nothing happens to us (adults) when we take honey, infants below the age of one don’t really have a very well-developed gut.

“So, the spores germinate, colonise, reproduce and wreak havoc in infants, resulting in infantile botulism.”

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Infantile botulism caused the infant to experience poor muscle tone, seizures, a chest infection and difficulty breathing.

The NHS describes infant botulism as a “very serious illness” that is “life-threatening”.

Clostridium botulinum bacteria produces toxins that attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and leads to paralysis.

“The paralysis can spread to the muscles that control breathing if it is not treated quickly,” the health body adds.

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Symptoms of botulism can develop within a few hours to several days after exposure to Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Symptoms can include:

• Drooping eyelids
• Blurred or double vision
• Facial muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Slurred speech
• Breathing difficulties.

Affected babies may also have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed, and have a floppy head, neck and limbs. In up to 10 percent of cases, the condition is fatal.

Botulism is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Any baby displaying signs of botulism should be taken to the nearest A&E department.

Treatment is more effective the earlier it’s started, so prompt medical assistance is needed.

Thankfully, the baby boy Dr Choudhury posted about made a full recovery after spending a month in hospital.

There are other foods babies and young children should stay away from, such as:

• Salt
• Peanuts
• Mould-ripened soft cheeses
• Lightly cooked eggs
• Rice drinks.

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