Mealeez's food label scanner helps you quickly identify potential allergens in packaged foods. Here's how to use it:

On the App & Website:

1. Access the Label Scanner: Tap the "Label Scan" icon on the bottom menu (alternatively, find the "Scan Food Label" link on the website's left menu).

2. Grant Permissions: Mealeez needs access to your device's camera and/or file storage to scan labels. You'll be prompted to grant these permissions.

   • Camera Access: Allow Mealeez to access your camera to take a photo of the food label.

   • File Access (app only): Granting file access allows you to upload an image of a food label from your device's photo library.

3. Position the Label:

   • Using the Camera: Hold your device steady so the food label is clearly visible within the camera's viewfinder. Make sure the label is well-lit and in focus. If using the app, you may be able to tap the screen to focus.

   • Uploading an Image: If you've granted file access (only required in the app), you can select an image of a food label from your device.

4. Scan the Label: Tap the "Scan" button.

5. Review the Results: Mealeez will process the label information and display the results. You'll see one of the following:

   • Allergen Warnings: Highlights or warnings about any ingredients that match your allergy profile (using the red/amber/green system). 

   • No Allergens Detected: Mealeez will let you know if no unsafe ingredients have been detected based on your profile.

6. Free Scans: If the scan results indicate that the product is safe based on your allergy profile, the scan is free and doesn't count towards your monthly free scan limit! You get 6 free scans per month where allergens are detected.

7. Interpreting the Results (Crucial): It's important to understand that the label scanner is a tool to assist you, not a replacement for your own careful label reading.

   • Accuracy: The accuracy of the scan depends on the quality of the label image and the clarity of the ingredient list. A blurry or poorly lit image can affect the results.

   • Unknown Ingredients: Mealeez has a large database of ingredients, but it may not recognize every single ingredient, especially if it's a less common or newly introduced one.

   • False Positives: Be aware that the label scanner may pick up on phrases such as "Free From Sulphites" or "No Eggs" in the image you provide, and could interpret that incorrectly.

   • Cross-Contamination: In the US, "may contain" warnings are optional for manufacturers, so even if the label scanner doesn't find any potential allergens, it cannot guarantee there was no cross-contamination during food production. 

   • The Label Scanner is a Guide: While the food label scanner is very accurate, it should be used as a guide only. You are responsible for reviewing food labels yourself to ensure your safety. Always double-check for any potentially unsafe ingredients.

   • Precautionary Principle: If you have any doubts about the safety of a food, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.

Mealeez Free and Subscription Scans:

• Free Scans: You get 6 free scans per month where allergens are detected. However, scans that show "No Unsuitable Ingredients Detected" are always free and do not count towards your monthly limit. This means you can check as many safe foods as you like!

• Subscription Scans: A Mealeez Plus subscription unlocks unlimited scans, giving you the freedom to check as many food labels as you need.