What ODbL License Really Means for Apps Using Open Food Facts Data

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The Open Database License (ODbL) permits commercial use of databases like Open Food Facts, but attaches specific conditions around attribution, public display, and redistribution of derived databases. Developers building nutrition apps must distinguish between querying data for outputs, such as product pages or meal summaries, and actually distributing a substantial copy of the underlying database, as each carries different obligations. Attribution must be clearly visible to end users wherever data appears, not buried in documentation, with a recommended format citing Open Food Facts and linking to the licence. Images, logos, and other database contents may carry separate licensing terms beyond ODbL, requiring independent review before use. Engineers are advised to store source metadata, maintain a licence registry, and seek qualified legal counsel before launching any commercial product that relies on openly licensed nutrition data.

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