NewsUK NewsNHSA small number of people were treated at NHS services in the city last week for suspected botulism poisoning – a life-threatening infection often caused by cheap, unlicensed injectables10:58, 30 May 2026Updated 11:15, 30 May 2026A cosmetics watchdog has issued an urgent warning after a string of people were rushed to hospital following Botox-like injections.‌They were treated at NHS services in Leeds last week for suspected botulism – a life-threatening infection often caused by cheap, unlicensed products. The cases were all linked to the same salon in the city, which has advertised cut-price deals.‌Last night Ashton Collins of Save Face, a government-backed register of approved practitioners, said: “This incident reinforces our long‑standing concerns that some providers are administering prescription-only injectables without valid prescriptions or appropriate oversight.‌“We are seeing more providers breaking the law by either working with unscrupulous prescribers who supply medication without ever seeing the patient, or by sourcing products illegally online. It is unacceptable that these laws are being broken so widely, and that regulators are not doing enough to clamp down on those responsible.”Botulism is caused by a potent neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system. Symptoms include severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy. Ashton wants to remind the public that botulinum toxin injections are a medical procedure. She added: “Due to the widespread trivialisation of “Botox” on social media, many patients now see these injections as routine beauty treatments rather than prescription‑only medicines.‌“Save Face has repeatedly called on the Government for stronger policing and enforcement to protect patients and tackle unlawful practice. Patients seeking Botox injections should use the Save Face register to find accredited, verified healthcare professionals. As part of accreditation, we verify that products are legitimately prescribed for each patient, licensed for use in the UK, and sourced from regulated pharmacies.”Over 34 per cent of botulinum toxin‑related complaints reported to Save Face involve suspected counterfeit products. Dr Bob Khanna, a leading aesthetics medic, told us: “This incident reinforces the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement to protect the public from unsafe and illegal practice.Article continues below“Cases like these are deeply concerning and highlight the very real risks of botulinum toxin when it is used outside properly regulated clinical frameworks. Aesthetic injectables are not simple beauty treatments; they are medical procedures involving powerful prescription medicines. Patient safety must always come before price, convenience or social media trends.”Last summer, the UKHSA recorded at least 38 cases of botulism poisoning linked to the use of unlicensed products. Twenty-eight were in the north-east, with five victims presenting to A&E in Durham on one night in June. The cases were linked to fake anti-wrinkle injections.We approached the clinic for comment.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NHSHospitalsPrescriptionsBotoxLeeds