Criminal proceedings for usurpation of functions in the aesthetics field

The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) announced this Monday that it had opened criminal proceedings for usurpation of functions in an inspection of establishments offering beauty services by allegedly unqualified professionals, in Marinha Grande (Leiria).

In a statement, ASAE announced that, in conjunction with the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS), “it carried out a joint inspection action aimed at establishments where health care in the area of aesthetics was provided by allegedly unqualified professionals, in the municipality of Marinha Grande”.

“During the course of the action, it was found that there was several pieces of evidence of invasive procedures being carried out, namely the administration of botulinum toxin (commonly known as “botox”), hyaluronic acid fillers and the application of tension threads, among other acts directly related to the provision of health care and likely to compromise the health and safety of users,” ASAE said in a statement.

According to ASAE, “criminal proceedings were initiated for usurpation of functions, having collected sufficient evidence of the performance of acts typical of health professionals” by people “without legal qualifications for that purpose”, and a person in charge of an establishment was named as a defendant .

During the inspection, “several products and substances used in the aforementioned procedures were seized, including botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, lidocaine, tension threads and Liporase packaging with Korean characters”.

ASAE and ERS emphasize that “the provision of health care in the area of aesthetics must occur exclusively by legally qualified professionals, in duly authorized and licensed establishments , which ensure full compliance with legal requirements in terms of quality, safety and hygiene”.

A source from ASAE told Lusa news agency that this action took place in June and took place in three beauty centers in the municipality of Marinha Grande.