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Open Data NHS Scotland vs openFDA API

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIOpen Data NHS ScotlandNEW—openFDA APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useyesunclear
Data licenseOpen Government Licence (per dataset)Unverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Open Data NHS Scotland vs openFDA API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Open Data NHS Scotland or openFDA API?

On our scheduled checks, openFDA API leads on measured uptime — Open Data NHS Scotland at —% versus openFDA API at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do Open Data NHS Scotland and openFDA API need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Open Data NHS Scotland is callable with no signup, and openFDA API is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Open Data NHS Scotland and openFDA API from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call Open Data NHS Scotland and openFDA API from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.

Are Open Data NHS Scotland and openFDA API free for commercial use?

Open Data NHS Scotland allows commercial use on its free tier, and openFDA API has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.