British health officials issue a cosmetic blows after 38 cases of botulism | Plastic surgery
People looking for aesthetic procedures have been warned of being on their care by public health experts, because they revealed that there were 38 recent cases of botulism in England linked to Botox without license.
The UK Health Security Agency said on Friday that cases had been reported for the first time in the northeast, other people later reported in East of England and the Midlands. All were reported between June 4 and July 14, 2025.
“The surveys are underway, but so far, the evidence suggests the use of a Botox type product without license,” said UKHSA, noting people affected by botulism poisoning had shown symptoms, including the difficulty of swallowing, breathing disorders and difficulties requiring respiratory support.
According to the NHS, botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system. A purified form of these toxins is the active ingredient of Botox and similar products which are often used for cosmetic purposes, including to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Although rare, botulism can be fatal. Treatment often includes the use of anti-toxins as well as interventions to support the body.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, the UKHSA medical microbiologist consultant, said that symptoms of the disease can take up to four weeks to develop after Botox type treatment, and advised any person with signs, such as difficulties in swallowing, contacting NHS 111 and looking for treatment.
While UKHSA has told health professionals to pay attention to people who recently had aesthetic injections, it also warned the public to pay attention when looking for such procedures to ensure that a qualified person performs them and that they use correct blows.
“If you plan to have an aesthetic procedure, be sure to check that your practitioner uses a license product,” said Godbole, noting that there is more information on how to choose a practitioner on the NHS website.
Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director of NHS England, added that the website also provides advice on questions to be asked, in particular by ensuring that the person administrating the injection is formed appropriately.
“When these procedures are mistaken, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scars, which is why only professionals registered such as a doctor, a nurse or a pharmacy prescriber should prescribe these treatments,” she said.
Dr. Alison Cave, the director of security for the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said the purchase of Botox products in other circumstances considerably increases the risk whether it is false or unauthorized for use in the United Kingdom.
“Public security is an absolute priority for MHRA,” she said, adding that when unauthorized products have been used, this “means that there are no guarantees to ensure that products meet MHRA standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them,” she said.
