It is becoming increasingly common for consumers to use applications when they are out shopping to locate ethical products, one expert has revealed.

Dan Welch, co-editor of Ethical Consumer magazine, suggested that people need to check out just how accurate the information is that the app provides.

"Check you can see the stories and sources behind the ratings. With the US Good Guide's app, for example, you can. With the new Good Shopping Guide app in the UK you can't," he continued.

Mr Welch revealed that Ethical Consumer magazine is currently developing its own application that will help home cooks access the data they need while out shopping.

The Ethical Company Organisation recently released an app that lists ethical ratings for 700 mainstream brands, including food and drink, travel, energy and fashion.

It displays detailed research tables for 72 product-specific categories across 15 different ethical criteria.