PA Implements Online Weights & Measures Resource to Protect Consumers with Easier Access to Inspection Reports

Counties, Cities with Independent Programs to Post Inspections in Future

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Affirming a commitment to fairness and accuracy in the marketplace, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today invited consumers to use a new online tool to help ensure they are getting full value whenever they purchase items sold by weight or volume.

Consumers can now access state weights and measures inspection results online at www.pda.state.pa.us/WMInspections.

"Much of what we buy is sold by weight or measure, but few of us carry a scale with us when we shop or count the amount of product in a package," Redding said. "That's why state and local weights and measures officials conduct thorough inspections to help consumers and businesses get exactly what they pay for. Now, consumers can access the results of these inspections online, giving them an opportunity to make informed decisions when choosing where to shop."

Pennsylvania's weights and measures inspectors certify scales that weigh everything from small-retail purchases to large-capacity trucks, truck-mounted fuel oil meters, liquid-petroleum gas meters, retail fuel pumps, and scanning systems in 49 counties. Eighteen counties and several municipalities have their own inspectors.

In 2009, state inspectors performed more than 83,000 inspections at nearly 17,000 establishments.

Inspections by Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Blair, Bucks, Centre, Cumberland, Delaware, Elk, Greene, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Westmoreland, and York counties, as well as the cities of Meadville and Scranton, will eventually be added to the database. These counties and cities independently operate weights and measure programs.

In addition to using the online inspection database, Redding encouraged consumers to understand what to look for when purchasing goods to help save money.

Redding suggested the following tips for consumers:

• Always look for an up-to-date inspection approval seal on measuring devices, including fuel pumps and scales.
• Check that the device is set to zero before measuring anything.
• Pay only for the measured amount of product, not the packaging.
• Check your receipt to ensure the amount for which you paid is the amount you received.

Redding also suggested consumers download the "Getting What You Pay For" guide by visiting www.agriculture.state.pa.us, clicking "Publications" and selecting that publication name from the drop-down menu.

Consumers who find a faulty device should first contact the business operator. If the business cannot or will not help, call the Department of Agriculture's toll-free weights and measures consumer line at 1-877-TEST-007 (1-877-837-8007).

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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