A multimillion-pound industry selling at-home food intolerance tests has come under fire from medical experts, who say the results can be misleading and even dangerous. The tests, which typically involve a finger prick blood sample sent to a lab, claim to detect sensitivities to certain ingredients. However, specialists argue that there is no scientific evidence to support their accuracy.
GP and allergy specialist Dr Helen Evans-Howells, who runs clinics in Hampshire, Belfast and online, said: 'They're all junk, and should be banned.' She warned that the tests are not backed by mainstream health bodies and can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions or missed diagnoses.
Food intolerances are different from allergies. Allergies involve the immune system and can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis, while intolerances are digestive issues. About 6% of adults have a clinically confirmed food allergy, but 24% report at least one intolerance. The only medically recognised intolerance tests are hydrogen breath tests for lactose intolerance and blood tests for coeliac disease, both used alongside biopsies.
The global allergy diagnostics market generates about $5.3bn a year, with the at-home food sensitivity test market valued at $2.6m in 2025. Despite this, experts say home tests for intolerances are not accurate and should not be used without a clinician's guidance.
