Overview

• The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched multiple investigations following a rise in hospital admissions linked to unlicensed botulinum toxin used for cosmetic procedures.
• Officials confirmed 41 botulism cases between June 4 and August 6 across the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.
• Selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin is a criminal offence carrying up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Since May 2023, more than 4,700 vials have been seized with most traced to South Korean brands including Botulax, reNTox, Innotox and Toxpia, and illegal social media listings are being removed.
• Authorities report illicit injections offered by untrained sellers in informal settings and urge people to verify practitioner credentials, check product packaging and batch numbers, monitor for delayed symptoms, and seek help via NHS 111 or emergency services.