Residents warned over unlicensed Botox after dangerous products seized in Rochdale

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 00:52

By David Murphy

Health officials are urging residents to check the credentials of cosmetic providers after illegal Botox-style treatments were discovered in local businesses across the borough.

Rochdale’s public protection team has seized unlicensed injectable products from several premises offering anti-wrinkle treatments. The crackdown followed routine inspections by trading standards and environmental health officers, who uncovered items imported from abroad with no English labelling or identifiable instructions.

Some of the seized items had such poor or absent labelling that officers could not verify their contents. Experts warn these products could lead to serious health consequences, including permanent disfigurement and scarring.

All suspect items have now been confiscated. Businesses have been reminded of the strict legal requirements surrounding the sale and administration of Botox and other injectable cosmetic treatments.

Botox, formally known as botulinum toxin, is a prescription only medicine and must be administered following a face to face consultation with a qualified prescriber, such as a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber, or pharmacist prescriber.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of Rochdale Council and portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said: “Botox is widely promoted for its youth enhancing effects, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look younger. But it’s crucial to do your homework before undergoing cosmetic procedures. The unlicensed products we’ve uncovered pose real risks to health and safety.”

She added: “Know who your prescriber is, who will be administering the treatment, and what training they’ve received. These aren’t minor concerns, using unregulated products can have devastating, lifelong consequences.”

Residents are advised to check for proper insurance, training, and consultation procedures before agreeing to any cosmetic injection. The NHS provides a detailed checklist to help consumers choose safe providers and understand what to do before and after treatment.

Legislation also now prohibits the use of Botox on anyone under 18, even with parental consent.

Anyone concerned about local providers, or practitioners seeking advice, should contact Rochdale’s public protection team on 0300 303 8871 or via environmental.health@rochdale.gov.uk

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