Open Food Facts is a collaborative, non-profit project empowering consumers to make informed food choices. Through a free barcode scanning app, users access detailed information on over 3.5 million food products worldwide, contributing to greater food transparency.
Open Food Data: Powering Informed Decisions
This innovative app leverages the power of open food data, allowing users to scan barcodes and instantly access personalized health and environmental impact information. By setting individual preferences, the app provides a tailored experience, highlighting products aligning with specific dietary needs and values. A simple color-coded system (green for matches, red for problems, and gray for items needing more data) quickly guides users towards suitable choices.
Comparing Products with Open Food
Beyond individual product scans, the Open Food Facts app facilitates quick comparisons within food categories. Imagine trying to choose between three different tomato sauces – simply scan them with the app to get a side-by-side comparison based on your pre-selected criteria. Customizable filters include:
- Environment: Eco-Score (A-E grading system assessing environmental impact)
- Health: Nutri-Score (A-E grading system for nutritional quality), NOVA group (identifying ultra-processed foods), additives, salt content, allergens.
Contributing to Open Food Knowledge
Open Food Facts operates under the principle of crowdsourced information, earning it the nickname “the Wikipedia of food.” Missing or incomplete product data? Users can contribute by photographing products and adding information, enriching the database for everyone. This collaborative approach ensures continuous updates and fosters a community-driven effort toward food transparency. Over 150 apps, including Date Limite, Yuka, and FoodVisor, utilize Open Food Facts data, demonstrating the project’s widespread impact.
Deciphering Food Labels with Open Food
The app deciphers complex food labels, providing clear insights into:
- Nutrition: Nutriscore, nutrient breakdown (fat, carbohydrates, protein, etc.), salt content.
- Environment: Ecoscore, carbon footprint, packaging information, environmental labels.
- Other: Brand information, allergens, certifications (organic, vegan, etc.), traceability data.
Open Food Facts also collects price data to track trends like shrinkflation and inflation.
Science-Backed Grading and Transparency
The grading systems within the app rely on peer-reviewed scientific research, ensuring accuracy and objectivity. The Nutri-Score, NOVA groups, and Eco-Score are developed by independent research teams and based on established scientific methodologies.
Prioritizing User Privacy with Open Food
User privacy is paramount. The Open Food Facts app can be used anonymously, ensuring personal data remains private. Additionally, users can set allergen alerts to quickly identify potential triggers.
Beyond Food: Open Products
While primarily focused on food, the Open Food Facts database extends to cosmetics, pet food, and other products, showcasing the platform’s versatility. Join the open food movement and contribute to a more transparent and informed food system.
