Each year, the first week of March commemorates the signing of the nation’s first weights and measures law by President John Adams on March 2, 1799 — an early and enduring commitment to fairness, accuracy and trust in commerce.
This year, National Weights and Measures Week, will be celebrated from March 1-7, with the theme, “We Measure What Matters.” The focus is on the essential, yet often unseen roles weights and measures professionals play in an evolving marketplace.
San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) conducts regulatory programs and provides related services to protect the agriculture industry, businesses and consumers in the county through the fair and equitable application and enforcement of state commerce laws and regulations.
AWM has three divisions that serve the public: Consumer Protection, Pest Prevention and Environmental Prevention.
The Weights & Measures role falls under the Consumer Protection division and is responsible for testing and inspecting the following:
- Consumer scales at retailers, such as grocery stores and delis.
- Large commercial scales, such as concrete and shipping businesses and companies.
- Consumer packaging on items for accuracy in weight and price.
- Commercial vehicles odometer readings, such as on taxis and ambulances.
- All retail locations with automated price look up systems (scanners) for accuracy.
- Retail motor fuel pumps.
Brady Gergovich, Agriculture/Weights & Measures Commissioner/Sealer said, “These programs are designed to protect and promote the health and welfare of the general public with the goal to provide prompt responsive services to all of the residents and businesses of the county.”
Recently, Agricultural/Standards Officer Andrew Rodriguez performed fuel pump inspections at a local gas station and explained the importance of consumer protection and his role as a standards officer.
“We inspect the device not only for measurement accuracy, but the pricing is correct, labeling is compliant and fuel meets state standards,” said Rodriguez.
“Additionally, we check for any skimmers, any pulses, any tampering, or any unauthorized modifications to verify accuracy.”
Last year, the Consumer Protection division conducted approximately 44,000 site inspections, with half of them at retail motor fuel stations that resulted in 56 fuel complaints about price inaccuracies, measurement discrepancies or fuel quality concerns.
Once a device passes a weights and measurement accuracy inspection, a “seal” with the date will be placed on the device letting the consumer know that the device was physically inspected and met California law and regulation standards.
“Whether you are fueling your car or buying groceries, you can rest assured we are out there protecting you as a consumer and making sure that businesses stay in compliance,” said Rodriguez.
As National Weights and Measures Week comes to an end, Gergovich extended his gratitude to the regulatory officials across the country who promote standards that support integrity and justice in the marketplace.
“Thank you to the thousands of state, county, and local weights and measures officials who perform the daily work, ensuring consumers are protected and businesses have a fair and level playing field,” he said.
To learn more about NCWM and National Weights and Measures Week, visit www.ncwm.com/about-ncwm.
For more information on what we do or if you have any concerns, please visit us at awm.sbcounty.gov.