A warning has been issued after “cheap” anti-wrinkle and filler injections bought from overseas were seized.
Rochdale Borough Council said it had found the unlicensed products – which had no English labelling or instructions – at five business premises in the town where Botox and fillers were being advertised.
It said some of the products could not be identified due to poor labelling, posing a potentially “very serious risk of injury”.
The businesses were referred to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which has the power to prosecute.
The council said the products were found as part of routine checks to ensure Botox was not being administered to under 18s.
It said it could not reveal the names of the businesses at present, and added that there was no evidence found of underage customers being given the cosmetic injections.
Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of the council, said: “While there’s no issue with wanting to look younger, it’s really important you do your homework beforehand with these types of treatment – especially given what our officers found.
“Know who your prescriber is and who will be administering your treatment. The unlicensed products we’ve uncovered potentially posed serious health and safety risks, so it’s very important you stay vigilant.”
The council also urged anyone considering cosmetic procedures to check what training and experience providers have and what their insurance arrangements.
Botulinum toxin, commonly shortened to Botox, is a prescription only product that is regulated by the MHRA.
Legislation states customers must first take part in a face-to-face pre-consultation with the prescriber of the Botox product to check their medical history.
The prescriber must either be a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or pharmacist prescriber.
The person administering the injections does not need to be the prescriber, but the prescriber is required to ensure they are properly trained.
