getAdditivesInfo

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It discloses the return content (E-numbers, NOVA level) but does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only, nor does it mention any dependencies, rate limits, or error conditions. The behavior is implied but not fully transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence of 13 words, front-loading the action ('List all additives') and providing key specifics immediately. No extraneous information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no nested objects, no output schema), the description adequately conveys the return structure as a list of additives with E-numbers and NOVA level. It is nearly complete for the agent to understand the output, though it could be slightly improved by noting if the list is flat or grouped.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'nameOrBarcode'. The tool description restates the parameter's purpose indirectly by saying 'in a product', but adds no new semantic detail beyond the schema's own description. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb 'List' and clearly identifies the resource 'additives in a product' with specific details (E-numbers, NOVA processing level). It distinguishes from sibling tools like getProductByBarcode which returns general product info, and analyzeProduct which provides broader analysis.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use the tool (when you need additive information) but provides no explicit guidance about when to avoid it or which sibling alternatives might be better. Given many sibling tools, explicit exclusion or alternative suggestions are missing.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.