The Authority for Food and Economic Security (ASAE) has begun around 90 criminal proceedings against beauty salons, clinics and hairdressers for performing aesthetic medicine functions by administering botox.

In a statement, ASAE explains that it carried out, through the National Unit for Criminal Information and Investigation (UNIIC), an inspection operation due to the “increasing offer of this type of procedure, without any medical qualification for the purpose”.

“(…) As an operational balance, around 90 criminal proceedings have been instituted to date for the practice of usurpation of functions, which resulted in the seizure of various medical devices, equipment and other utensils used in the commission of the criminal offense”.

The authority stresses that the administration of botulinum toxin (botox) or hyaluronic acid, as well as the application of other procedures using invasive techniques, such as tension threads for facial harmonisation purposes, is exclusive to medical professionals.

As it “is a very lucrative activity”, the authority will continue to “monitor the phenomenon of usurpation of functions, promoting the protection of public health and consumers”, adding that “it has carried out several actions with the establishments where procedures are carried out by people without any qualification to do so”.

ASAE has the collaboration of the Order of Doctors, the Health Regulatory Entity and INFARMED - National Authority for Medicines and Health Products, I.P.