Bálint László builds a product scanner around ingredient information

LB: Universal Scanner is available on Android and iOS, offering product information through barcode scans or ingredient photographs. Founded by Bálint László, the app aims to explain what products contain across several consumer categories. The account describes a privacy-focused service, but gives no detail about its data practices or any regulatory review.

Scans extend beyond food labels

Users can point a phone at a barcode, or photograph ingredients when the barcode is not recognised. The app is described as helping explain what is in a product, rather than simply displaying a label. Its coverage includes food, pet food, cosmetics and cleaning products. Household and art supplies are also included in the account.

The stated use case is understanding information that can be difficult for consumers to interpret or verify. Ingredient and safety labels can be photographed where a barcode is unavailable or unrecognised. The source does not specify how the app evaluates ingredients, what references it uses, or how it communicates uncertainty. Those omissions leave the precise basis for its explanations unclear.

An idea shaped by food sensitivities

The account traces the initial idea to Tünde, a friend of Mónika, who wanted an app that could identify food ingredients that might cause harm. Mónika has fructose and lactose intolerances or sensitivities, and related digestive problems. Those experiences made the proposed food tool relevant to her. The source says the project began with food products.

The scope widened after Mónika considered ingredient information on shower gel and wanted to understand what was in pet food. The household has two cats, Bella and Teddy. The account says this prompted consideration of products beyond food. It describes a gradual move into cosmetics, cleaning products, and art and craft supplies.

The founder’s approach and open details

Bálint László is 19 and was born in Hungary; he has lived in Germany since he was five. He identifies as autistic and says he processes information differently from traditional education expectations. In the written account, he describes focusing on how systems work, logical solutions and efficiency. The interview was conducted in writing with Bálint and his mother, Mónika, because he prefers written communication.

The source characterises LB as privacy-focused and says it has a serious focus on usefulness, accessibility, privacy and responsible information. It does not set out a formal privacy policy, technical safeguards, data retention terms, or the sources used for product explanations. No regulator, legal stage, investigation, or company response to a regulatory matter is identified. The app’s availability and described scanning functions are reported, while its compliance position is not addressed.

The source does not state how LB validates information or handles incomplete ingredient labels. It also does not describe its privacy controls or the limits of its explanations. Further reporting could establish which product information sources the app relies on and how users can assess uncertainty. Any regulatory assessment would require evidence about the service’s actual data and information practices.