MHRA is cracking down on unlicensed anti-wrinkle products after spate of botulism cases in England
Sellers of fake Botox jabs could be jailed for up to two years, the UK’s medicine watchdog has warned, as it increases efforts to track down those flouting the law.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says it is cracking down on the trade of unlicensed botulinum toxin products after a spate of botulism cases across England thought to be linked to them.
In total, 41 people are thought to have been affected by the potentially fatal condition between 4 June and 6 August 2025. Botulism affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis if left untreated, according to the NHS.
The MHRA says it hopes to drive up awareness that anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines, as set out in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, and is deploying more resources to crack down on those breaking the law.
