How Menu Scanning Works
Understand what happens when you scan a restaurant menu — and what the results mean.
Informational guide only. Not a medical or diagnostic tool.
Step-by-step: How scanning works
- 1
Upload or photograph a menu - Take a photo of the menu or upload an existing image
- 2
Text is extracted from the image - The scanner reads the menu text using optical character recognition
- 3
Dishes and descriptions are identified - Menu items are parsed and organized
- 4
Known allergen patterns are flagged - The scanner highlights ingredients commonly associated with allergens
- 5
You receive a summary to review - Results show which dishes may need extra caution or questions
What the scanner analyzes
- •Menu item names
- •Dish descriptions
- •Common ingredient patterns
- •Known allergen associations
What the scanner cannot see
- •Cross-contact during preparation
- •Shared fryers or utensils
- •Recipe substitutions
- •Staff practices
Menus do not show preparation details.
How to use results safely
The scanner helps you decide what to ask. It highlights dishes that commonly contain allergens or require extra caution. Use the results to focus your questions before ordering.
The scanner helps you avoid obvious risks. It identifies menu items with known allergen patterns, helping you narrow down safer options.
Always confirm with restaurant staff. Scanning is a starting point, not a guarantee. Verify allergen information directly with the restaurant before ordering.
Related guides
Scanning provides decision support only. Always verify allergen information directly with the restaurant.
Scan a menu before you order.