Health Update: Supermarket allergy test
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A NEW allergy testing service has been set up by the Safeway supermarket chain. It costs pounds 16.99 and is being offered by 15 Safeway stores. There are plans to extend it to all 63 branches with pharmacies. Customers can have a finger-prick blood sample sent away for screening for 10 common allergens.
But the service has been criticised by specialists. In a letter to the British Medical Journal, Professor Barry Kay, of the National Heart and Lung Institute, London, says remote allergy testing can 'confuse and alarm susceptible people'. Many people who test positive to a particular substance are not necessarily allergic, he argues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments