MDAC recognizes March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week 

Photo: MDAC Weights and Measures inspectors check truck scales for accuracy. (MDAC photo)

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) joins the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in recognizing the week of March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week. These dates are designated every year to commemorate President John Adams’ signing of the first United States weights and measures law on March 2, 1799. 

Gene Robertson, NCWM Chairman and Deputy Director of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Bureau of Regulatory Services, announced this year’s theme, “Staying Relevant.” Of significance this year, sixty-eight jurisdictions from 28 states have just completed an NCWM National Price Verification Survey. The survey involves hundreds of weights and measures officials across the country who inspected whether consumers are being charged the advertised price at retail.  

The national survey was the initiative of Robertson, who described the effort as an example of what goes on each day to protect consumers and businesses by ensuring transaction accuracy and a level playing field for a strong business climate. “Few Americans realize how significant and necessary it is to have our inspectors doing what they do every day,” said Robertson. 

“This week we recognize Weights and Measures Week, and the work that our inspectors do day in and day out to serve Mississippians as they work hard to provide the essentials that sustain our citizens,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “Many people don’t realize that when you buy a product sold by weight or quantity in the State of Mississippi, our department is involved in the product exchange, including the scales used by companies and consumers. Our Bureau of Regulatory Services ensures fairness and equity in the marketplace each day. So, next time you are checking out at the grocery store or buying fuel at the gas pump, look for the MDAC ‘seal’ of approval.” 

Ensuring quantity is the responsibility of the Bureau of Regulatory Services of MDAC, specifically the Regulatory Inspector. Inspectors operate within rules and regulations as adopted by NCWM, published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in handbooks, and referenced by states into law. Those publications take into consideration State and Federal Laws and international standards. NCWM’s model standards provide highly sophisticated tools that aid inspectors in the never-ending process of equity in the marketplace. 

MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services inspectors work to ensure that Mississippians receive the goods they are paying for. Every time a consumer uses a scale for weighing produce at the grocery store or buys gas at the pump, they can be assured they are getting the exact quantity paid for. MDAC inspectors make routine inspections on all types of commercial weighing devices including railroad scales, vehicle scales, livestock scales, hopper scales, floor scales, bench scales and those used to weigh precious metals and stones like gold, silver and diamonds.  

Inspectors conduct package inspections to verify the net contents of packaged commodities and price verification inspections in businesses that utilize UPC scanning systems. In addition, the Bureau investigates complaints involving weighing and measuring devices. In fiscal year 2023, MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services tested 17,178 scales and 63,021 devices found at gas stations and conducted 2,027 UPC inspections across the state.  

If you have any questions or concerns about the weight or quantity of product purchased, please contact the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce at 601-359-1100 or visit our website at www.mdac.ms.gov.