Information stored on your device
ColdShelf stores the inventory details and photos you add locally on your device, including item names, dates, notes, and stock information. Camera and photo-library features let you choose images for your inventory. Local reminders use the information in the app to help you track dates or out-of-stock items. You can manage notification and camera permissions in your device settings.
Optional barcode product lookup
When you use barcode product lookup, ColdShelf sends the barcode to Open Food Facts to request a product name. Open Food Facts receives the barcode, your connection’s IP address, and an app-identifying request header with a fixed app contact. That contact identifies ColdShelf, not your personal email address.
The lookup does not send your inventory, photos, notes, account credentials, or cookies. The request uses HTTPS. You can enter an item’s name yourself without using the lookup.
Open Food Facts’ published server configuration is set up to retain access logs containing IP addresses and full request URLs. A ColdShelf lookup URL contains the barcode, so this logging can retain your IP address with that barcode query. Its privacy policy lists three-year retention for visitor IP addresses and logs, for security, technical analysis, and popularity measurement. We have not verified the current live server settings or the exact retention period for these API requests.
Open Food Facts Privacy Policy
Product-name results include information from Open Food Facts, available under the Open Database License. Individual database contents are available under the Database Contents License.
Sharing and backup files
When you choose to share a grocery list by text, email, or another available destination, the selected information is handed to the app or service you choose. That recipient or service controls its own copy and privacy practices. ColdShelf cannot recall a sent message or delete a recipient’s copy.
You can export a JSON backup and restore from a supported backup file. A backup checksum checks file integrity; it does not encrypt the contents. Keep backup files in a location you trust. A file saved to a cloud drive or sent to someone is also handled by that provider or recipient.
Removing local information
Local inventory remains on your device until you change or remove it. Cleanout may keep a local recovery copy so a cleanout can be restored; it should not be treated as immediate permanent erasure. Exported backup files and shared lists remain wherever you saved or sent them until separately removed.
Deleting the app through iOS removes its local app data. Offloading the app keeps its documents and data. Neither action recalls previously shared information or removes backup files saved outside the app. Contact us if you need help understanding deletion or recovery options.
Support messages and diagnostics
If you contact us, we receive your email address, message, and any files or details you choose to send. We use that information to respond and troubleshoot. Please avoid sending passwords, access codes, or information about other people that is not needed for your request.
Apple may separately process diagnostics, usage information, or feedback through its own services and make reports available to us. We use reports we receive to investigate problems and improve ColdShelf. Apple’s handling is described in its privacy information.
Retention and privacy requests
We keep support messages and diagnostic information we receive for as long as needed to address the issue, maintain relevant support records, and meet applicable legal obligations. You can email us to request access, correction, or deletion of information we hold. We cannot remotely remove files from your device, your chosen storage providers, or another person’s copies.
About this page and policy changes
This policy describes ColdShelf and related support communications. When you visit our website, website hosting and browser services may process technical request information separately. We update this policy when our practices change and show the revised date on this page.