What is the likely cause of botulism in an 8-month-old baby?

Botulism in infants, particularly those under one year of age, is commonly associated with the ingestion of honey. Honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which are harmful to infants because their digestive systems are not yet mature enough to handle these spores safely. Ingestion of these spores can lead to the production of botulinum toxin in the intestines, resulting in serious illness.

The combination of cereal and honey is particularly concerning because many parents may add honey to foods to enhance flavor, not realizing the potential risk. Other food options presented, such as evaporated milk, table food, and fruit juice, do not have the same association with infant botulism when served to older infants or toddlers. Therefore, cereal and honey is the most likely cause of botulism in an 8-month-old baby due to the presence of spores in honey and the vulnerability of the infant's digestive system.