The UK Health Security Agency cases reported in Humber and Yorkshire have seen people left unable to swallow, with slurred speech and difficulty breathing
Health chiefs have reported that 41 individuals have been hospitalised following cosmetic treatments, with the UK Health Security Agency revealing that patients have experienced difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing problems.
The toxin in question is used in botox treatments, a popular method for smoothing out wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as those on the forehead and around the eyes.
Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a total of 41 clinically confirmed cases of iatrogenic botulism.
Cases have been reported across the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West and Yorkshire and Humber. Investigations are currently underway, but initial evidence suggests the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product.
Reactions to the product have included:
The UKHSA has issued national advice to clinicians, urging them to be vigilant for signs of botulism in patients who have recently undergone aesthetic procedures, in order to provide appropriate treatment, including the administration of anti-toxin.
The agency continues to advise the public to exercise caution when seeking aesthetic procedures, including verifying if the product being used is licensed. The public is also advised against purchasing products from websites for self-administration.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, stated: “We are working closely with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures.
“Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in ‘Botox’ and similar products.
“Symptoms of botulism can take up to 4 weeks to develop and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.
“If you are considering having a cosmetic procedure, please make sure to check that your practitioner is using a licensed product. On the NHS website there is more information on what sensible steps you can take when finding a practitioner.”
Side effects have encompassed serious eyelid drooping, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and fatigue, which can emerge weeks following the treatment.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer stated: “Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them.
“Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution.”
Today, it was announced that the government will introduce new measures to clamp down on rogue cosmetic procedures.