College dining halls often receive a bad rap because of unhealthy and limited food choices, but Syracuse University is trying to change that with a new technology upgrade.

In collaboration with the Student Association, Syracuse University’s Food Services has recently implemented a new QR scanning system to allow students to be more informed about what exactly they are eating. QR codes that provide nutrition facts and a list of allergens when scanned by smartphones have been added to the name cards of entrees.

The university should be commended for not only improving transparency about the nutrition of its food, but also incorporating technology that students can easily access from their smartphones that they use everyday.

Using one of the many QR scanner apps available on the app market, students can quickly scan the codes posted in the dining hall and will then be directed to a menu with the option of viewing the nutrition facts or the big eight allergens — fish, crustacean shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts — the food might contain. Signs in the dining center also have a QR code that shows information about the menu for the entire day.

This initiative was first presented by Stephanie Haber, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Student Association, who wanted to accommodate the needs of people with food allergies, sensitivities and preferences.

The mobile site’s interface is simple, visually friendly and easy to navigate, which lets students quickly check food contents without holding up the line. Food Services could have easily printed the allergens on paper and put them on display, but its integration of smartphone technology proves that the group is forward thinking, aware of trends in technology and most importantly, cares about the health of students.

Unfortunately, many students are still unaware that this new system has been put in place. For these QR codes to become commonplace, Food Services and Syracuse University must inform the students that this technology exists and is effective. If statistics show that students are actually using the new system, SU should consider expanding to all food centers on campus.

Quick Response Codes have been around for since 1994 and usable by smartphones since 2010. Businesses have had a tough time finding practical reasons and locations for QR tech. The application of QR codes in dining halls is a perfect fit because they are easily accessible and provide immediate helpful information to students.

A primary complaint from college students is that they cannot make healthy choices because there is lack of nutrition information provided by dining halls. That complaint becomes a lot less effective with this tech upgrade. It is the responsibility of students to use this new system if healthy eating and calorie intake are important to them.

Whether you’re allergic to certain foods or just a conscious eater, QR codes in college dining centers are beneficial and a great addition. QR codes may not be new, but its new role as a nutrition guide proves that you can teach old tech new tricks.

Aarick Knighton is a junior information management and technology major. His column appears weekly. He can be reached at adknight@syr.edu and followed on Twitter @aarickurban.

Published on March 4, 2015 at 12:10 am