# How does barcode scanning work? > Point the scanner at a product barcode and MealSnap looks it up in the Open Food Facts database. ## Exact label data Barcode results use the product label, scaled to your serving size. Because the numbers come from the label, this is the most precise way to log packaged food. ## If a product is missing Open Food Facts is a community database and does not know every product. If a barcode comes up empty, describe the product or use quick add with the numbers on the label.