Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings. The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Andy Morling, head of the MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: ‘Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we've seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.

'We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.'

The crackdown is part of the MHRA's wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin.

Health minister, Stephen Kinnock, added: ‘This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA's criminal investigations and our new regulations, we'll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines.'