Food scientists in Australia have developed an app for Apple’s iPhone that they claim will help consumers find out nutritional information on packaged food products, simply by making use of the app’s barcode scanner.
The scientific team, based at the University of Sydney, have come up with the ‘FoodSwitch’ application that utilises the camera on the iPhone. You just scan the barcode labels of the supermarket item you are considering buying and can find out nutritional advice on its contents.
In Australia, there are high rates of heart disease and stroke and so the scientists hope the app will give shoppers more of an informed choice over what they eat. Therefore, those looking to lose weight or eat healthier can use the technology to benefit from the recommendations given by the app.
Bruce Neal, Senior director at the George Institute for Global Health, which is based at the university, explained:
“FoodSwitch’s three-step approach marries the latest technology with cutting edge research. Australians can now scan barcodes, see what’s in a food, and switch to a healthier choice in an instant.”
Barcode labels have a variety of uses and this example just goes to show how they can be used to help customers.