Mobile Application for Understanding Nutritional Labeling Focused on The Consumer

Abstract

Objective: In this multidisciplinary study, a mobile application was designed as a technological tool that contributes to the training of informed consumers capable of interpreting the nutritional characteristics of the products they purchase.   Theoretical Framework: Mobile applications that allow to display the sodium, sugar and fat content of a product in a way that is understandable to the consumer. Additionally, an area of opportunity is evident in the way of presenting this information and in the calculation of daily energy content.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The agile Scrum methodology was used. The requirements of the mobile application were obtained through user stories, which allowed two sprints to be done. The application was subjected to unit and integration testing, connectivity and functionality type.   Findings: Mobile application for users of the Android operating system that allows you to read, through a smartphone, the barcode of a product on the front labeling and display the sugar, sodium and fat content; Moreover, it issues recommendations for their consumption in accordance with the FAO, WHO, UNU.   Research, Practical & Social Implications: Contributes to the training of informed consumers capable of having a better interpretation of the nutritional characteristics of the products they purchase.   Originality/Value: Mobile application that to scan the barcode of a product and graphically display, through teaspoons, the content in grams of sodium, sugar and calories it contains. Moreover, it calculates the daily energy content according to some variables: sex, age, weight and level of physical activity.