A popular food delivery firm has defended its decision to charge for lateral flow tests.
Getir, which describes itself as a 'super-fast grocery delivery service', has testing kits listed under a 'Covid Essentials' section on its online app.
On the app, where customers can choose from a range of products, a Flowfelex lateral flow test kit is listed at £4.99.
However, each pack appears to contain just one test.
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Customers in Greater Manchester have criticised the firm's actions, with one woman telling the Manchester Evening News it had left her 'disgusted'
Matt Whitworth, from Middleton, came across the listing when he was searching the app for groceries on Tuesday (January 4).
He said: "I can't believe they are taking advantage of the situation.
"It's quite opportunistic and it is perhaps vulnerable people who will have to pay this extra amount for tests they could get for free at the pharmacy.
"It's £5 for one, so if you need a week's worth it would be £35.
"I wouldn't buy them out of principle."
But Getir, which operates in cities across Europe and branched out to Manchester last summer, has defended itself and described the price it is charging for the kits as 'accessible'.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “Across the UK Getir is delivering everyday items to its users within minutes, offering our customers convenience, safety and choice.
"We provide as many essential pharmacy and personal care products as possible, including at-home COVID testing products, all of which are Government-approved and are purchased by Getir from independent suppliers so that, if a customer is unable to obtain a free NHS test, they can receive a FlowFlex test in 10 minutes at an accessible price."
Demand for lateral flows has soared in recent weeks following a rise in Omicron cases.
Thousands of Brits struggled to find rapid tests over the festive period and now into the New Year.
As pharmacies across the country battle with low supplies, there have been numerous reports of testing kits being sold online.
Last week, the M.E.N found the usually free testing kits on sale on Facebook, eBay and even an online auction house based in Stockpor t.
