Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2024
At Foodmoodscience, we use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our editorial platform. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
Foodmoodscience is an informational and educational platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of food science, mood, and human wellness. We are committed to transparency regarding how we collect and use data.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) that your browser sends to our website when you visit. They contain information about your browsing activity and preferences, allowing us to recognize you on subsequent visits.
Cookies serve several important functions:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
- First-Party Cookies: Set by Foodmoodscience directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by our analytics and content delivery partners
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the core functionality of our website. They enable basic operations such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and preference storage. Without these cookies, our website cannot function properly.
- Session authentication
- Security and fraud prevention
- User preference settings (font size, language)
2. Analytics Cookies
We use analytics cookies to understand how readers interact with our editorial content. This helps our team improve articles, identify popular topics, and enhance the overall user experience. These cookies collect anonymized data about page views, time spent on articles, and navigation patterns.
- Article engagement metrics
- Reader demographics and interests
- Content performance analysis
- Device and browser information
3. Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance your user experience by remembering your preferences and choices during your visit. They enable features like content bookmarking, reading history, and personalized recommendations based on your browsing behavior.
- Content preferences and reading history
- Search and filter selections
- Theme and layout preferences
- Bookmarked articles
4. Performance Cookies
Performance cookies collect information about how our website performs—load times, error rates, and page responsiveness. This data helps our technical team optimize site speed and stability for all readers.
- Page load performance
- Server response times
- Technical error reporting
- Content delivery optimization
How We Use Cookies
As an editorial platform, we use cookies to:
- Enable core website functionality and security
- Measure the effectiveness of our articles and editorial content
- Understand reader behavior and content preferences
- Improve navigation and user interface design
- Enhance content discovery and personalization
- Monitor website performance and reliability
- Prevent spam and fraudulent activity
- Remember your reading preferences and history
What we do NOT do: Foodmoodscience does not use cookies for commercial advertising, sales tracking, or to sell your data to third parties. Our focus remains purely on delivering quality editorial content while respecting your privacy.
Active Cookies on Our Platform
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_fms_session |
Essential | Maintains user session authentication | Session |
fms_preferences |
Functional | Stores your theme and display preferences | 1 year |
_ga |
Analytics | Google Analytics - Reader identification for analytics | 2 years |
_ga_[ID] |
Analytics | Google Analytics - Session tracking and engagement | 2 years |
fms_reading_history |
Functional | Remembers articles you've read | 90 days |
fms_bookmarks |
Functional | Stores your bookmarked articles | 1 year |
fms_language |
Functional | Remembers your language preference | 1 year |
_fms_perf |
Performance | Tracks page load times and performance metrics | Session |
fms_security_token |
Essential | CSRF protection and security verification | Session |
fms_content_interests |
Analytics | Records your article category interests for editorial insights | 90 days |
*This table represents typical cookies used on our platform. Specific cookies may vary based on updates to our systems and services.
Managing Your Cookies
Browser Settings
You have the ability to manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Please note that blocking essential cookies may affect website functionality.
To manage cookies in popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and other site data
Cookie Preferences on Foodmoodscience
When you first visit our site, you are presented with a cookie consent banner. You can adjust your preferences at any time by:
- Clicking "Cookie Settings" in the consent banner
- Visiting this policy page and using the cookie management tool
- Accessing preferences through your account settings
Do Not Track (DNT)
If you have enabled the "Do Not Track" setting in your browser, we respect this preference. However, please note that some website features may not function optimally without certain cookies enabled.
Deleting Cookies
You can delete cookies already stored on your device through your browser settings. This process varies by browser but is typically found in Settings → Privacy or History options. Deleting cookies may affect your saved preferences and reading history.
Third-Party Partners
We work with trusted third-party partners who may set cookies on our platform:
Google Analytics
Helps us understand how readers interact with our content and which articles are most valuable. Google Analytics collects anonymized data and follows strict privacy standards. Read their privacy policy.
Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
We use CDN services to deliver our articles and images quickly to readers worldwide. These partners may set performance cookies to optimize content delivery.
Heatmap Tools
Optional tools that help us visualize how readers interact with our articles, improving content layout and readability. Data is anonymized and never identifies individual users.
All third-party partners are required to comply with data protection regulations and maintain appropriate privacy standards. We do not share personal information with third parties for commercial purposes.
Data Security
We take the security of cookie data seriously. Information stored in cookies is protected by:
- Encrypted transmission via HTTPS/SSL protocols
- Secure server infrastructure with regular security audits
- Limited access to cookie data by authorized personnel only
- Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations
- Regular deletion of unnecessary or outdated cookie data
International Privacy Laws
Foodmoodscience operates internationally and complies with major privacy regulations:
GDPR (European Union)
We obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies for EU residents and provide tools to manage cookie preferences at any time.
CCPA (California)
California residents have the right to know what cookies are collected, delete cookies, and opt-out of cookie usage. See our privacy policy for more details.
PIPEDA (Canada)
We comply with Canadian privacy laws by providing transparent cookie information and allowing readers to control their preferences.
UK GDPR
UK residents receive the same protections as EU residents regarding cookie consent and data privacy.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our cookie usage, technology improvements, or legal requirements. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We recommend reviewing this policy occasionally to stay informed about how cookies are used on our platform.
Significant changes to this policy will be communicated prominently on our website. Your continued use of Foodmoodscience after updates indicates your acceptance of the revised Cookie Policy.
Have Questions About Our Cookies?
If you have questions about how we use cookies or concerns about your privacy, please contact our editorial team:
Foodmoodscience Editorial Team
Station Road 161
Edinburgh, Scotland
Email: [email protected]
For content questions or article feedback, please use the email above or visit our FAQ page.
Related policies and information:
- Privacy Policy
- Disclaimer
- Latest Articles
- Frequently Asked Questions