Weights and MeasuresAny equipment that is used to determine weight or measure which is used for trade purposes, is checked by a weights and measures inspector periodically during routine inspections. This is to ensure that the equipment is accurate.
Such equipment includes:
- Scales - shops, factories, coal merchants, Post Offices etc.
- Weighbridges & Platform machines - factories
- Optics - public houses
- Petrol Pumps on forecourts
- Length Measures - carpet stores, fabric shops etc. plus many more.
Each piece of equipment is allowed a small margin of error. If, when the equipment is checked, it falls outside that margin then it can no longer be used. The equipment that the weights and measures inspectors use is checked regularly against other equipment of even higher accuracy. This ensures that consumers of Merthyr Tydfil are getting a fair deal.
Produce
Produce can be sold packaged or loose and there are laws that govern both.
Packaged Goods
Generally if goods are packaged then they should have a weight indication on the package (there are of course some exemptions). Some goods are packed to a minimum weight, that is to say whatever the weight indicated is on the package you will receive at least that amount.
Most pre-packed goods are packed to an average weight system, for example, bread, coffee, cereals. This system is generally used in factories by means of a computer controlled check-weight which ensures that on average the weight of the product being packed is that which is indicated on the package. There is a small margin of error either side.
Any weight indications that appear on a package must be metric. However, it is permissible to indicate both metric and imperial quantities as long as the metric quantity is more prominent and the conversion is accurate.
Loose Goods
Goods that are still allowed to be sold loose are fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and sweets. Since 1st January 2000 they must be sold in metric quantities bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe. Again, there is an exception with the pint, which can still be used in pubs to sell beer and cider from draught, and milk delivered to your door.
If you believe that you have been given short weight or measured product please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Trading Standards Enforcement Policy.pdf (47k)
|