Unlike foodborne botulism, infant botulism is NOT caused by ingesting the
toxin, but the bacterial spores themselves. These spores are not harmful to
children and adults. Infants' digestive systems are enough different to put
them at risk of growing the spores (which would then release the toxin) in
their intestines.

Clostridium botulinum spores are ubiquitous. They are commonly found in
household dust, for example, particularly in agricultural areas or where
gardening occurs, or in windy areas.

Honey presents a particular danger, not just because it frequently contains
C. botulinum as packaged for the consumer. There are apparently contributing
factors due to its physical properties. It shares many of these properties
with corn syrup.

Whether honey or corn syrup come to the house containing C. botulinum
spores, there is a good probability that they will pick up spores once the
bottles have been opened.

Therefore, the authors of the study that claimed that processing of corn
syrup eliminates the risk of C. botulinum being present in an opened bottle
in the home were simply wrong.

It makes no difference whether the spores are refrigerated or not. Again,
the spores will not grow until they reach the infant's intestine. 

Both opened and unopened (from the factory) cans of infant formula were
found to contain C. botulinum in one study:


J Med Microbiol. 2005 Aug;54(Pt 8):769-76.

    A case of infant botulism with a possible link to infant formula milk
powder: evidence for the presence of more than one strain of Clostridium
botulinum in clinical specimens and food.

Brett MM, et.al.

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