Pennsylvania Ag Secretary Offers Tips to Help Consumers 'Get What They Pay For'

National Weights and Measures Week is Feb. 28 -- March 6

HARRISBURG, Pa.,  March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today offered tips to help Pennsylvania consumers get full value for their dollar whenever they purchase items sold by weight or volume.

"Nearly all of the products we buy are sold according to weight, volume, length, count or measure," Redding said. "To ensure fairness in the marketplace, state and local weights and measures officials work to help consumers, businesses and manufacturers get exactly what they pay for. Understanding what to look for when purchasing goods can help you to 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 billed is the amount 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.

Governor Edward G. Rendell declared Feb. 28 -- March 6 as "Weights and Measures Week" in Pennsylvania, recognizing the 211th anniversary of the first weights and measures law enacted by Congress in 1799.

The commonwealth inspects 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, while 18 counties inspect their own devices.

If you find a faulty device, first contact the business operator. If he or she 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).

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Rendell's Weights and Measures Week proclamation is included below:

Weights and Measures Week
February 28 -- March 6, 2010

Whereas, On March 2, 1799, the United States Congress enacted the nation's first weights and measures law, ensuring balance in the marketplace and protecting against unfair practices for consumers, businesses, and manufacturers by setting uniform standards of measure; and

Whereas, weights and measures officials are dedicated to meeting the fair commerce needs of all Pennsylvanians, ensuring that devices are tested annually and accurately and all consumer complaints are responded to immediately; and

Whereas, these officials, under the purview of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and county offices, ensure the accuracy of all scales, ranging from small-retail units to large-capacity truck scales; fuel pumps; consumer scanning systems; coal; firewood; home heating oil; liquid petroleum gas; and packaging; and

Whereas, inspectors use exacting equipment standardized and certified by the commonwealth's metrology laboratory to ensure uniform and precise measure; and

Whereas, patrons can be assured they are receiving the amount of goods paid for thanks to a clearly visible "2010 Tested and Approved" decal that is affixed to all inspected and approved scales; and

Whereas, if consumers have questions or concerns about weights and measures issues, they may call the department's easy-to-remember, toll-free consumer tip line, 1-877-TEST-007; and

Whereas, with cooperation from industry partners, including grocery, fuel, clothing, home heating and other wholesale and retail establishments, inspectors can ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace for all Pennsylvanians.

Therefore, In recognition of the vital role Pennsylvania's weights and measures program plays in protecting consumers throughout the commonwealth, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim February 28 -- March 6, 2010 as WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WEEK in Pennsylvania.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the city of Harrisburg, this first day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture