The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) reported that a number of people in certain regions in the Mainland died after eating unprocessed raw honey recently. While investigations on the cause of death are underway, the CFDA advised consumers not to eat raw honey for the sake of prudence.
Some unprocessed or raw honey products including raw honey, comb honey, wild honey, etc. are gaining popularity in recent years. Some consumers associate raw honey (i.e. unfiltered, unheated/unpasteurized honey) or wild honey (i.e. from bees that live in the wild) with specific health benefits. However, it is important to note that these products can carry some risks.
Honey may contain natural toxins
As honey bees can forage up to several kilometres from the hives, the honey they produced often originates from wide varieties of plants, sometimes including poisonous plants. If the density of flowering poisonous plants or in certain cases, honeydew from insects that feed on poisonous plants is high during a particular period, the honey may accumulate significant amount of natural toxins such as grayanotoxin that causes "Mad honey poisoning".
The symptoms of poisoning due to honey consumption depend on the types and levels of the toxins. Common symptoms include nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, low blood pressure , shock, or even death may occur. For commercial honey, the pooling of massive quantities of honey during proper processing generally dilutes any toxic substance. On the contrary, raw or wild honey from small-scale beekeepers or honey hunters may not undergo any process to dilute the level of various toxins.
Raw honey may contain allergens
During processing, honey is filtered to the extent that all or most of the fine particles and pollen grains normally found in suspension will be removed. Unlike processed honey, raw honey may contain small amounts of pollen grains. According to literature, there were cases of allergic reactions after ingestion of raw honey that contained pollen. Symptoms could range from itching in the oral mucosa to anaphylactic shock. People who are allergic to pollen or with severe seasonal allergies (hay fever) should be aware of the potential risk of eating raw honey.
Infants less than one year old should not be fed any types of honey
Furthermore, some people believe raw honey is free from bacteria due to its anti-microbial properties. In fact, honey including raw honey can contain the spore forming bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, that causes intestinal botulism (also called infant botulism). Intestinal botulism mainly affects children less than one year old. Early symptom is constipation, followed by lethargy, difficulties in feeding, generalised muscle weakness and weak cry. While most cases require hospitalisation, fatal cases are rare.
Advice to public
- Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary .
- For the sake of prudence, people who are allergic to pollen or with severe seasonal allergies (hay fever) are not advised to eat raw honey.
- Grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat, and honey with bitter or astringent taste should be discarded.
- Travellers to areas such as the Black Sea region of Turkey, North America, Korea, Japan, Nepal and New Zealand should pay special attention as there have been reported cases of grayanotoxin poisoning which were attributed to honey from these areas.
- Avoid feeding honey to infants less than one year old.
Advice to Trade
- The trade should ensure that their honey products, whether imported or locally produced, comply with local regulation concerning food safety and are fit for human consumption
FAQs
Raw honey and processed honey can contain a bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is especially harmful and potentially fatal to children under the age of one as their digestive system has not developed enough to handle the bacteria. Clostridium botulinum causes an illness known as botulism.
What are the risks of eating raw honey? ›
Furthermore, some people believe raw honey is free from bacteria due to its anti-microbial properties. In fact, honey including raw honey can contain the spore forming bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, that causes intestinal botulism (also called infant botulism).
Is a spoonful of raw honey a day good for you? ›
Health benefits of eating a spoonful of honey everyday include diabetes management, cancer management, better heart health, and other benefits. Honey is a brown, sticky, sugar-saturated solution made by bees. Honey bees or forage bees collect nectar from flowers and add some enzymes to the nectar.
How much raw honey is safe? ›
Hence, if a person requires 2,000 calories a day, no more than 120 calories should come from sugar, honey, and other added or natural sugars combined. This is roughly two tablespoons (about 40 grams) of honey. Honey in any form must, however, not be given to children younger than a year old.
What are the side effects of wild honey? ›
In mild form, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation, nausea, vomiting and paresthesias are present and close follow-up is enough.
Is it OK to eat pure raw honey? ›
It is safe for people to consume both raw and regular honey, though it is a good idea to avoid types of honey that contain added sugars.
Does raw honey have toxins? ›
Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is especially harmful to babies or children under the age of one. It may cause botulism poisoning, which results in life-threatening paralysis ( 26 , 27 ).
Is raw honey safe for the elderly? ›
Honey is generally safe in adults and children older than age 1. It might be helpful in treating burns, coughs and possibly other conditions.
What does 100% raw honey do? ›
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Research has shown that the propolis in raw honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties . The potential for both internal and topical treatments using raw honey is significant.
What are the pros and cons of honey? ›
The Bottom Line. Honey has been linked to health benefits like improved heart health, wound healing, and blood antioxidant status. However, consuming too much may cause adverse effects due to its high sugar and calorie content. Thus, it's best to use honey to replace other forms of sugar and enjoy it in moderation.
Ideally, honey should be stored at room temperature, so keep it away from stoves and other kitchen appliances that generate heat. You should also refrain from putting it in the fridge, as this can cause it to thicken and change its texture.
What is the best time to eat honey? ›
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.
What is the healthiest type of honey? ›
However, it is best for your health to opt for raw honey. Raw honey is unprocessed and can be purchased at health food stores and vitamin shops. "It is best to always try to use raw, organic honey with no preservatives, added sugar, or any other types of additives," says Selvakumar.
Is there a downside to eating honey? ›
Risk of other health conditions: As honey contains sugar, consuming too much of it may increase a person's risk of developing obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
What is the toxin in wild honey? ›
Grayanotoxin is a naturally occurring sodium channel toxin found in honey made by bees from the pollen and nectar of the Ericaceae family of the Rhododendron [5].
What happens if you eat honey every day? ›
Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There's also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. ( 3 ).
Is raw honey worse than sugar? ›
So is there a definitive answer to which is healthier, honey or sugar? Both should be consumed in limited amounts. Honey may have a slight edge, but excess consumption of either is more dangerous to your health than the advantage of choosing one over the other.
Does cooking raw honey make it safe? ›
Beneficial bacteria and harmful heat
Heating honey to high temperatures – generally above 45-50°C – eliminates these benefits by killing the bacteria, enzymes, and antioxidants that make honey so powerful.
Is raw honey good for your lungs? ›
It's believed that the sweetness of honey triggers your salivary glands to produce more saliva. This may lubricate your airways, easing your cough. Honey may also reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes (airways within the lungs) and help break up mucus that is making it hard for you to breathe.
Is raw honey considered clean eating? ›
Although white sugar is definitely not viewed as 'clean', honey, maple syrup and juices, which are also sources of free sugars, are usually included and even encouraged by some clean eating gurus. They might help you cut back on sugar, for example in tea or fizzy drinks.
