Latest news with #botulism
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent fish recall in three states that could leave people PARALYZED for life
The FDA has announced a recall set at the highest risk level of smoked herring found to contain the bacteria that cause botulism, which can cause paralysis and death. The P East Trading Corp of Bronx, N distributed 81 cases of the fish across retailers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The fish were over five inches in length and were not gutted, making them more susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores. The FDA's classification, Class 1, is the most serious type of recall, occurring when there is a reasonable probability that consuming or using a product will cause serious health effects or death. The Salted Smoked Split Herring was packaged in 18lb wooden boxes with the container code Lot 1 PRC5073. It was manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd in Canada. There have been no reported illnesses linked to the fish; however, due to the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of the bacteria, consumers are advised not to eat it and should return it to the store where they purchased it. The recall came after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector sampled the fish. An investigation later confirmed the fish was not properly gutted, a concern because the toxic bacteria 'are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera [internal organs] than any other portion of the fish.' Botulism is a life-threatening infection that causes a range of symptoms approximately one day after exposure. Those symptoms include blurred or double vision, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. 'People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention,' the FDA said. The agency stated that the fish was repacked by stores in deli-style or retail packaging, rather than its sealed, original packaging, which risks improper handling that could cause temperature fluctuations or cross-contamination. It was sold in 69 stores: 60 in New York, eight in New Jersey, and one in Connecticut. The affected products have likely reached thousands of people who shop in these stores. If left untreated, the toxin can disrupt communication between the brain and muscles after entering the bloodstream. Botulism and the bacteria that causes it are rare, causing about 200 cases per year with a death rate of three to five percent. But this is not the first recall of its kind to be issued this year. In February, the FDA announced a recall of lots of canned tuna distributed by Tri-Union Seafoods and sold under the Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's brand names. Botulism binds to nerve endings and cuts critical proteins that usually help release a chemical that tells muscles to contract. Without that chemical release, muscles fail to receive the message, and paralysis begins. It starts in the face and descends to the throat, the limbs, the diaphragm, and eventually, the muscles that control breathing. The infection can be cured with an antitoxin, which neutralizes the toxin that has infiltrated the bloodstream, if administered within 24 to 72 hours of symptom onset. A patient may also require mechanical ventilation for weeks or even months. With swift treatment, the death rate of botulism falls to five to 10 percent. Without the antitoxin, over 50 percent of patients die. Claudia de Albuquerque Celada, a 23-year-old Brazilian woman working in Colorado, was left paralyzed and on a ventilator after contracting botulism from improperly handled store-bought soup. She was placed on a ventilator after the neurotoxin paralyzed her respiratory muscles. She first experienced blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty breathing before full-body paralysis set in within 24 hours. Health officials traced the case to a pre-packaged soup stored in a plastic jar, though lab tests on the product came back negative, suggesting the toxin formed due to improper refrigeration, insufficient reheating, or leaving leftovers unrefrigerated too long. Historical outbreaks of botulism linked to improperly processed fish have occurred both in the US and around the world, often linked to fermentation, salt-curing, or storage methods that inadvertently encourage the production of toxins. In the US, federal regulations require the proper gutting and processing of fish to mitigate risks from C. botulinum. The FDA enforces strict Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point requirements for seafood manufacturers. They must prove that their safety measures actually work, using science-backed processes and have to maintain records to demonstrate these measures are consistently effective.
CNN
20-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Dozens in northeast England report symptoms of potentially deadly botulism after getting Botox
Health officials in the UK are investigating reports of dozens of people suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition following Botox procedures in northeastern England, as well as allegations of the illegal sale of Botox-like products. The local trust of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) in the county of Durham put out an alert on June 13 about several people seeking medical attention after having adverse reactions to cosmetic procedures involving Botox. Since the incident first came to light last week, 28 individuals have reported symptoms of botulism after receiving cosmetic procedures, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) told CNN in a statement Friday. Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. 'These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,' Dr. Joanne Darke, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said in the statement, adding that it is 'important to go to a licensed practitioner.' Iatrogenic botulism is a type of botulism that occurs when too much of the cosmetic form, Botox, is injected into a muscle. Botox is a leading cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, as well as for medical conditions such as migraines and excessive sweating. The UKHSA said the reactions reported have included symptoms of severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy. Other symptoms of botulism can include facial muscle weakness. Botulism requires immediate medical attention and is fatal in 5-10% of cases, according to the NHS website. While most people make a full recovery with treatment, which typically involves getting injections with antitoxins, without quick care, paralysis can spread to muscles used to control breathing. While investigations into the cause of the cases are ongoing, the UKHSA said that 'evidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.' 'The practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,' said Dr. Simon Howard, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, in the statement. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' he continued. Howard advised people to ensure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures and advised anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told CNN Friday that it is investigating 'allegations surrounding the illegal sale and supply of Botox-type products in the North-East, and want to reassure the public that we take such claims very seriously.' The agency encouraged people in the UK who believe they have had side effects from medicine or received falsified stock to report it to its Yellow Card program. 'Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution,' Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA, said in the statement. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,' she continued. In the United States, a growing cluster of botulism cases linked to cosmetic injections was reported in Massachusetts earlier this month. The state's Department of Health said it was investigating 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism all associated with Botox procedures performed at one spa, Rodrigo Beauty.
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sales of ‘fake botox' investigated after dozens of botulism cases
Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake botox after 28 cases of botulism were reported in North East England. Botulism, a rare and potentially fatal condition, typically sees only six cases annually across England, making the recent surge in Durham and Darlington highly unusual. All reported cases are linked to individuals who recently underwent cosmetic procedures, experiencing severe symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty swallowing. One patient, Nicola Fairley, described her forehead freezing within two hours of receiving what she believed was a stronger botox, indicating the rapid and adverse effects of the illegal substance. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating, emphasizing that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and advising public caution.
CNN
20-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Dozens in northeast England report symptoms of potentially deadly botulism after getting Botox
Health officials in the UK are investigating reports of dozens of people suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition following Botox procedures in northeastern England, as well as allegations of the illegal sale of Botox-like products. The local trust of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) in the county of Durham put out an alert on June 13 about several people seeking medical attention after having adverse reactions to cosmetic procedures involving Botox. Since the incident first came to light last week, 28 individuals have reported symptoms of botulism after receiving cosmetic procedures, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) told CNN in a statement Friday. Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. 'These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,' Dr. Joanne Darke, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said in the statement, adding that it is 'important to go to a licensed practitioner.' Iatrogenic botulism is a type of botulism that occurs when too much of the cosmetic form, Botox, is injected into a muscle. Botox is a leading cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, as well as for medical conditions such as migraines and excessive sweating. The UKHSA said the reactions reported have included symptoms of severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy. Other symptoms of botulism can include facial muscle weakness. Botulism requires immediate medical attention and is fatal in 5-10% of cases, according to the NHS website. While most people make a full recovery with treatment, which typically involves getting injections with antitoxins, without quick care, paralysis can spread to muscles used to control breathing. While investigations into the cause of the cases are ongoing, the UKHSA said that 'evidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.' 'The practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,' said Dr. Simon Howard, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, in the statement. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' he continued. Howard advised people to ensure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures and advised anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told CNN Friday that it is investigating 'allegations surrounding the illegal sale and supply of Botox-type products in the North-East, and want to reassure the public that we take such claims very seriously.' The agency encouraged people in the UK who believe they have had side effects from medicine or received falsified stock to report it to its Yellow Card program. 'Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution,' Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA, said in the statement. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,' she continued. In the United States, a growing cluster of botulism cases linked to cosmetic injections was reported in Massachusetts earlier this month. The state's Department of Health said it was investigating 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism all associated with Botox procedures performed at one spa, Rodrigo Beauty.
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Spike in potentially fatal condition linked to ‘fake botox' sparks urgent probe
Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake botox after dozens of botulism cases were reported in North East England. Botulism is a potentially fatal condition caused by a bacteria-produced toxin, which attacks the body's nerves and can cause paralysis of the muscles and respiratory system. It is extremely rare, with just six cases recorded across England in 2023-24. But – in the space of just a few weeks – 28 cases of botulism have now been reported in North East England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – which warned that more cases may yet come to light. The cases, most of which are in the Durham and Darlington areas, have all been reported by people who had recently undergone cosmetic procedures. Reactions have included severe drooping of the upper eye lids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, according to the UKHSA. On one night in June, five of the people affected all ended up in the same A&E department in Durham, according to the BBC, which cited internal hospital communications in showing that the local stock of anti-toxin was nearly exhausted, forcing medics to request more from London as they 'braced' for more patients. One of the five patients, Nicola Fairley – a mother of four from Bishop Auckland, in County Durham – told the broadcaster that she had received anti-wrinkle injections in the past, paying £100 for three areas. But she then won a round of treatment from the same provider in a competition, using what she was told was a stronger type of botox and again had three areas injected, without realising the treatment was illegal. While genuine injections should take several days to start working, the 37-year-old said her forehead became 'frozen' within two hours. The business owner who gave Ms Fairley the injections has since apologised, she said, adding: 'I know she hasn't done this on purpose. I just don't know where people get it from – it's scary. 'There needs to be more rules and stricter guidelines on who can do it – not just anybody who can go and do a course and just do it. There's that many people who do it – it's part of your beauty regime like getting your nails done or your hair.' The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now understood to be investigating the spate of cases. Dr Alison Cave, the agency's chief safety officer, said: 'Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional 'Buying Botox and other medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not authorised for use in the UK.' Dr Simon Howard of the UKHSA said that agency was still investigating the cause of the cases, and said the practitioners associated with most of the cases were no longer carrying out the procedures. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' said Dr Howard. 'We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures. 'Anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, should contact NHS 111.' The Department for Health and Social Care said the government was looking into new regulations, with people's lives currently being put at risk by 'inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector'. 'We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner,' a spokesperson told the BBC.
