As part of its latest pharmacy investigation, Which? sent undercover reporters into six of the supermarket’s pharmacies to buy both ibuprofen and Sudafed Sinus Pressure and Pain (phenylephrine/ibuprofen).

The consumer charity rated the advice offered by four of the Morrisons pharmacies as "good" and two as "poor", it said when it published its findings on Saturday (February 17).

In one of the visits to a "poor" pharmacy, "our researcher was asked a comprehensive list of questions, but was refused sale of the medicines together, for the reason that they shouldn’t be taken together", Which? said.

"While this isn’t a safety issue, our expert pharmacist judged this to be an unreasonable restriction," Which? explained.

When questioned by C+D, Which? said it considered the visit to be "unreasonable" because "the customer was asked a thorough list of questions and gave answers that shouldn't have raised any alarm – but was still denied the purchase of both medicines".

"We think this falls within the realm of 'poor advice'."

Morrisons supports pharmacy teams' right to refuse

Morrisons told C+D yesterday (February 19) it is "disappointed with the two failed tests".

"We note that one of the fails was for an ‘unreasonable restriction’ in not supplying sinus medication and ibuprofen," the supermarket said.

"We support our pharmacists in not supplying pharmacy (P) medicines to a customer if there is any local concern that the customer might take the medication inappropriately," the supermarket added.

"We have restated this guidance to our pharmacy teams."

In its same investigation, Which? also rated one Asda pharmacy as "poor" for refusing a sale. C+D has contacted the supermarket for comment.