Help & FAQ

Tap Scan Barcode on Home or a recall, then choose Scan Barcode to allow camera access. Hold the barcode inside the frame. You can also choose a label photo or enter a product name or barcode. Review any text read from a photo before checking it. When you start from a recall, your result keeps that notice and lets you add lot or date details.

One recall may affect only some batches. Compare the lot, size and dates on your package. Meat and poultry notices often use an establishment number and pack date rather than a barcode.

Allow camera access in your browser’s site settings, or choose Enter product details. For photos, use good light and a close, sharp image of the label. First use downloads the reader; an internet connection is needed to check current recalls.

Use the QR code on the desktop Scan page to open AisleBrief on your phone. You can still search and filter recalls on your computer.

No. It means no recall matched the details provided. Government records can be incomplete and new notices can appear. Confirm the product and lot, especially when the check has limited information.

Compare your package with the affected products and codes. If it matches, follow the official notice’s instructions for stopping use, returns or disposal. Medicine and household-product instructions may differ from food instructions.

Class I indicates a risk of serious harm; Class II indicates temporary or reversible harm; Class III indicates a low health risk. FDA notices may await classification. CPSC uses its own hazard descriptions, so “Recall issued” does not imply a pending FDA classification.

No. Ingredient information describes categories you may prefer to avoid. It is separate from official recall status and is not a safety rating. Check the printed label for the most accurate ingredient list.

AisleBrief uses FDA food and OTC recall records, FDA public notices and enforcement reports, USDA FSIS meat and poultry notices, FDA outbreak investigations, and CPSC everyday household recalls. Public sources can update at different times.

Digest combines products and notices belonging to the same recall event into a card. A single event can affect several products or lot codes. Ongoing coverage includes agency-open notices reported in the last three years.

Government collection is scheduled hourly. The date shown for a notice is its publication date, not the time you checked. Feed delays can occur; always follow a newer official notice.

Open Food Facts supplies product names and ingredients, not recall decisions. Its catalog is incomplete. Enter the printed product name and barcode, and compare the lot with official notices even if the catalog has no result.

Saved has separate Recalls and Scans tabs. Save a recall from Digest or save a product check from its results page. A saved scan keeps the product details, ingredients, nutrition and recall results available at the original check time. Open it without scanning again, or check again for current recalls. Saved items stay in this browser on this device; photos are not saved. Saving does not monitor products or send alerts. Clearing browser data removes the list.

Not yet. The email form registers interest in future alerts. Saving a recall does not subscribe you to notifications, and scanning does not require an email address.

Label text is read on your device. Photos are not uploaded for AI parsing. The reviewed product details are used to check recall records.

No. AisleBrief works in your browser. On iPhone, look for Add to Home Screen in your browser’s sharing menu; on Android, look for Install app or Add to Home screen in the browser menu. Exact wording varies by browser.