Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 9, 2026
Round Puffin LLC ("we," "our," or "us") built the Ethical Food Scanner app.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information
when you use our app.
Information We Collect
Camera
We access your device's camera to scan barcodes and photograph product
packaging. Photos sent to our server for AI analysis are processed in real
time and are not stored.
Location
We use your location to find nearby grocery stores and to notify you when
you're near a saved store. Location data stays on your device and is not sent
to our servers.
Dietary Preferences
You may optionally enter dietary restrictions and allergen information (e.g.,
vegetarian, gluten-free, nut allergy). This data is stored on your device and
synced across your devices via iCloud.
Product Scan History
Products you scan are saved locally on your device to build your product
history. Basic product data (barcode, product name, brand, nutrition scores)
may be sent to our server to improve our product database.
Product Ratings
Your likes and dislikes for products are stored on your device and synced
across your devices via iCloud.
Saved Stores
Store names, addresses, and locations you save are stored on your device. This
data is not sent to our servers.
Feedback
If you submit feedback through the app, your rating and comments are sent to
our server.
Third-Party Services
Open Food Facts
We look up product information using the Open Food Facts database
(https://world.openfoodfacts.org), an open-source food product database. When
you scan a barcode, we send that barcode to Open Food Facts to retrieve
product data. Open Food Facts has its own privacy policy available on their
website.
AI-Generated Content
Product descriptions, certification explanations, and brand coverage summaries
are generated using artificial intelligence. Text prompts and, when you take
a product photo, images are sent to our server for AI processing. These are
used solely to generate responses and are not stored long-term.
Apple iCloud
We use iCloud Key-Value Storage to sync your dietary preferences, product
ratings, and manual certifications across your Apple devices. This data is
governed by Apple's privacy policy.
Data Storage and Security
Most of your data is stored locally on your device. Data sent to our server is
transmitted over HTTPS. We use Apple's App Attest framework to verify that
requests come from genuine copies of our app on real Apple devices.
We do not use any advertising networks, analytics SDKs, or third-party
tracking tools.
Data We Do Not Collect
- We do not collect your name, email address, or any account information
- We do not require you to create an account
- We do not track your activity across other apps or websites
- We do not sell, share, or rent your personal information to third parties
- We do not display advertising
Your Choices
- You can deny camera or location permissions at any time in your device's
Settings
- You can disable store proximity notifications in the app's settings
- You can delete your scan history and saved stores from within the app
- You can uninstall the app at any time, which removes all locally stored data
Children's Privacy
Our app is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect
personal information from children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any
changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the app or on our website.
Changes are effective when posted.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Round Puffin LLC
bettereats.support@gmail.com