Privacy policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Food Scanner (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use the Food Scanner mobile application (the “App”). By using the App, you agree to this Policy.

1. Who we are

Food Scanner helps you scan packaged food barcodes to see a food score, ingredient flags, allergen alerts based on preferences you choose, and cleaner swap suggestions. The App is intended for general informational use and is not medical advice. Always confirm allergens and dietary needs with the manufacturer and a qualified professional.

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide

• Onboarding preferences: diet style, food allergies/intolerances, ingredient watchouts (for example seed oils, added sugar), and related goals. These are stored on your device so results can be personalized.
• Saved and recent products: products you bookmark or recently view/scan, stored on your device.
• Language preference: the language you select in Settings.
• Support messages: if you contact us, we receive whatever information you include in your message.

2.2 Information collected automatically

• Camera / barcode data: the camera is used only to read barcodes. We do not save barcode photos to your photo library. Barcode numbers may be used to look up product information.
• Usage analytics: events such as screens viewed, scans started/completed, search activity, purchase/paywall interactions, and feature use (via Firebase Analytics).
• Crash and performance data: diagnostic information if the App crashes (via Firebase Crashlytics), which may include device model, OS version, and stack traces.
• Device and app information: approximate device identifiers used by analytics/ads SDKs, app version, and similar technical data.
• Advertising data: if ads are shown, Google AdMob and related partners may collect device advertising identifiers and interaction data. On iOS, personalized ads may request App Tracking Transparency permission.
• Purchase data: subscription purchases are processed by Apple. We receive purchase status (for example whether Premium is active, trial/expiry when available) through Apple’s StoreKit / receipt verification. We do not receive your full payment card details.

2.3 Information from third-party product databases

Product names, brands, ingredients, and images may be retrieved from public/third-party food databases such as Open Food Facts (and similar sources) when you scan or search. Those services have their own privacy practices.

3. How we use information

• Provide barcode scanning, scores, flags, allergen alerts, and cleaner-swap suggestions.
• Remember your preferences, saved items, and recent scans on your device.
• Operate Premium subscriptions and free-scan limits.
• Improve the App, fix bugs, and understand feature usage.
• Show advertisements to non-Premium users (when ads are enabled).
• Comply with law and protect against misuse.

4. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Apple: for in-app purchases and subscription management.
• Google Firebase: Analytics and Crashlytics for usage and stability.
• Google AdMob: to display ads (when applicable).
• Product data providers (for example Open Food Facts): barcode/product lookups.
• Service providers who help us operate the App, under appropriate confidentiality obligations.
• Legal authorities when required by law or to protect rights and safety.

Remote configuration (for example ad unit identifiers) may be stored in Firebase Realtime Database. That configuration does not include your personal profile or scan history.

5. Data stored on your device

Preferences, onboarding answers, language, Premium cache state, free-scan counts, saved products, and recent scans are stored locally on your device (for example using on-device storage). Uninstalling the App typically deletes this local data.

6. Ads and tracking

Free users may see banner, interstitial, and app-open ads. Ad partners may use device identifiers to serve and measure ads. You can control tracking via iOS Settings (for example Allow Apps to Request to Track / Personalized Ads). Premium users are not shown ads in the App.

7. Permissions

• Camera: optional, used to scan barcodes. You can deny access and still enter barcodes manually or use samples where available.
• Notifications: optional, for product recall/update style alerts if you enable them.
• Tracking (ATT): optional, requested only where needed for personalized advertising.

8. Children’s privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

9. Data retention

• Local preference and history data remain on your device until you clear them or uninstall the App.
• Analytics and crash logs are retained by our providers according to their retention policies.
• Purchase records are retained by Apple; we keep only what is needed to unlock and verify Premium.

10. Your choices and rights

• Change or clear diet/allergy/watchout preferences in Settings.
• Revoke camera, notification, or tracking permissions in iOS Settings.
• Manage or cancel subscriptions in Apple ID → Subscriptions.
• Limit ad personalization via Apple / device settings.
• Request access, correction, or deletion of personal information we hold about you by contacting us (to the extent applicable under laws such as GDPR or CCPA).

Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights, including the right to object to certain processing or to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

11. International transfers

Our service providers (including Google and Apple) may process data in the United States or other countries. Where required, appropriate safeguards are used for cross-border transfers.

12. Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. Important health disclaimer

Food scores, flags, allergen matches, and swap suggestions are informational and based on available label/database data, which may be incomplete or outdated. The App is not a substitute for reading the physical label, contacting the manufacturer, or obtaining medical/dietary advice.

14. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version in the App or on our App Store listing and revise the effective date above. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

15. Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact:

Food Scanner Support
 Email: alpeshdungrani271@gmail.com
 App: Food Scanner (iOS)
 Bundle ID: com.FoodScanner

Replace the support email above with your public App Store / business email before publishing if different.