On March 2, 1799, President John Adams signed the United States’ first weights and measures law. To commemorate this event, Weights and Measures departments across the country celebrate National Weights and Measures Week, every year between March 1 – 7.
“Last year, the division investigated 125 consumer complaints,” said Chrisandra Flores, Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. “The investigation of consumer complaints is a priority for Weights and Measures. If you feel you have been overcharged or shorted in a transaction, our inspectors will handle your complaint. You can
file a complaint online or call the division at 916-875-6603.”
Locally, the Division of Weights and Measures implements the following programs:
- Weighing and Measuring Device Program – With very few exceptions, all weighing and measuring devices used in commercial transactions, are tested for accuracy on an annual basis by department inspectors.
- Price Verification Program – The Weights and Measures Division inspects businesses that operate an Automated Point-of-Sale System, which includes scanners, cash registers, checkout stations, or similar devices used to look up the price and charge consumers for their purchases.
- Quantity Control Program - Weights and Measures inspectors inspect packaged goods to verify the weight, volume or count.
- Petroleum Products Program - Inspectors routinely check the labeling on motor fuel dispensers and underground fuel storage tanks, and price signs are inspected for accuracy, size, and legibility.
- Weighmaster Program - Weighmasters are individuals or firms who weigh, measure, or count bulk products and issue certificates of accuracy of the weight, measure, or count. The Weighmaster program assures that commercial transactions based on quantities certified on a Weighmaster Certificate are accurate.
- Service Agent Program – Agencies and agents who repair a commercial weighing or measuring device in Sacramento County must notify the Sacramento County Division of Weights and Measures by submitting a “placed in service” report within 24 hours. The division regularly monitors the work of service agencies and agents.
Ensuring fair and honest competition for industry and accurate value comparison for consumers are the primary functions carried out by the Division of Weights and Measures. Consumers can shop with confidence because of the inspections and investigations conducted by Weights and Measures inspectors.