Food Ingredient Checker
Photograph a food label. The checker flags additives, E-numbers, hidden MSG, and gluten sources from FDA and EFSA data.
Scan a food labelSafeShelf's free food ingredient checker uses AI to scan any food label photo and instantly identify harmful additives, hidden allergens, E-numbers, and chemical preservatives — with a safety score from 0 to 100.
Instant Detection of Harmful Food Additives
Detect MSG in Food
Identify hidden sources of Monosodium Glutamate like hydrolyzed vegetable protein and autolyzed yeast extract.
Carrageenan Scanner
Detect this controversial seaweed-derived thickener linked to digestive inflammation and gut irritation.
Gluten Free Checker
Identifies hidden gluten sources beyond wheat, barley, and rye, including cross-contamination warnings.
How We Aggregate Food Regulatory Data
Food safety standards vary wildly across the globe. While the US FDA operates under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) utilizes the E-number system with much stricter guidelines. Our AI food scanner bridges this gap by cross-referencing uploaded ingredients against global regulatory frameworks. Whether it is identifying petroleum-based dyes (like Red 40) or flagging preservatives that form carcinogenic compounds under heat (like Sodium Nitrite), our tool provides a comprehensive view of public food science data.
Complete Guide to Common Food Additives
Is Monosodium Glutamate Bad for You?
MSG is a flavor enhancer that amplifies umami taste. While the FDA considers MSG safe, about 1% of people report sensitivity (often called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome"). Symptoms can include headaches, flushing, numbness, and rapid heartbeat.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast extract, textured protein, and generic "natural flavors".
Why Avoid Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is used as a thickener in dairy and plant milks. Degraded carrageenan is classified as a possible carcinogen. Even food-grade carrageenan has been linked in studies to intestinal inflammation, ulcers, and IBS symptoms.
Upload a food label
Packaged food · drinks · condiments
Results are generated by AI and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a substitute for a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change medications or diets based solely on this report. Always consult a doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian — especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, take prescription drugs, or are making decisions for a child.
This scan and its results will be publicly accessible and may appear in the community gallery. Do not upload images containing personal or identifiable information. Want a private scan tailored to your health? Register free for personalised scanning →
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is your MSG detector? ▾
Does the scanner work for European E-numbers? ▾
Is the food ingredient checker really free? ▾
Related tools
- E-numbers list — look up any additive code
- Pregnancy ingredient checker — same scanner, pregnancy flags
- Toxic ingredient checker guide
- E-numbers explained