Aussie Burger Restaurant Defends Selling Rapid Antigen Tests Via Uber Eats

A burger restaurant has hit back after being slammed on social media for selling rapid antigen tests (RATs) via Uber Eats.

Fast Covid-19 tests are the hottest item since Australia's obsession with toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic.

Every store is seemingly selling out of RATs within hours as many people rush to see whether they've contracted coronavirus amid a huge surge in cases.

The situation has become so dire that restaurants are even flogging them and they certainly don't come cheap.

People have been furious to scroll through South Australia's The Big Grill Bolivar restaurant on Uber Eats to see a two-pack of RATs for $50 nestled in amongst a bunch of burgers.

But the restaurant has hit back against the online criticism and said they aren't doing anything wrong.

The manager for The Big Grill Bolivar wrote on Facebook saying: "There has been much confusion in regards to the pricing of our RATs. These are priced in accordance to the current market prices.

"We sell a two-pack of rapid antigen tests for $40 in store and we sell a two-pack of rapid antigen tests for $50 through our delivery partners; the price increase is due to their exorbitant fees.

"We are aware of multiple posts being shared with misinformation and in regards to our pricing and requesting people leave poor reviews on our social media and Google.

"We would like to apologise for the confusion caused and hope this resolves any issues and concerns."

The Big Grill Bolivar is by no means the only business who has started selling RATs since they became a massively needed commodity.

But there are some retailers out there who are selling them at such an inflated rate that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an investigation.

ACCC Chair Rod Sims said: "We are seeking information from suppliers about their costs and the current pricing of rapid antigen tests.

"We are also contacting major retailers and pharmacies seeking similar information and reminding them that they need to be able to substantiate any claims they make to consumers about the reason for higher prices."