Authorities aggressively close down beauty parlor
In Portugal, a joint decision by the Environmental and Sanitation Agency (ERS) and the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) has led to the suspension of several beauty industry establishments in Cascais and Lisbon [1].
The move comes after inspections were conducted due to complaints about unqualified professionals providing healthcare services in these establishments. The ERS emphasized that the principle of protecting human health and the environment was not ensured in the inspected establishments.
The ERS issued a precautionary measure to immediately suspend the activities of these establishments, as they were found to be providing unqualified healthcare services. This decision was based on serious noncompliance with regulations regarding the reprocessing of multiple-use medical devices and the management of hospital waste [1].
The ERS stated that the precautionary measure will only be lifted when the risk to health and safety of users is proven to be eliminated.
In Portugal, only licensed physicians are authorized to perform certain beauty industry procedures that involve minor surgery or medical intervention, including bichectomy, blepharoplasty, and liposuction (such as chin and neck liposuction) [1]. These procedures are considered medical acts requiring appropriate qualifications and regulatory compliance.
The use of certain medical devices and substances in aesthetic treatments, such as botulinum toxin, injectable hyaluronic acid, biostimulants, anesthetic medications, and tension threads (PDO threads), is also restricted to physicians. This is to ensure patient safety, proper handling of medical devices, and compliance with health regulations [1].
The Portuguese Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) enforces these rules strictly; establishments providing such services without qualified medical professionals can face severe penalties, including immediate suspension of their activities, as highlighted by recent inspections and closures of non-compliant beauty salons [1].
The case has also been reported to the Tax and Customs Authority and the Public Prosecutor's Office. It is important to note that only physicians are permitted to perform these medical or quasi-surgical procedures on-site or use these specific medical devices [1].
For exact legal texts, consulting Portuguese health law or ERS guidelines directly would be recommended. This news serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in the beauty industry to protect public health.
[1] Source: Official ERS announcements and Portuguese health law regulations.
The ERS has stressed the importance of qualified professionals in medical-conditions-related procedures, such as skin-care treatments involving botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, or PDO threads, to ensure health-and-wellness safety and regulatory compliance. The suspension of beauty industry establishments in Portugal is a warning for adherence to science-backed health practices, as the unregulated use of medical devices and substances can pose significant risks.
