Department of Agriculture and Markets

Weights and Measures Program (Follow-Up Report)

According to State law, all devices used to weigh and measure commodities sold on the basis of their weight, volume or size must be inspected and tested for accuracy at least once a year. In addition, packaged commodities such as foods, cleaning agents, and yard and garden products are subject to inspection to ensure that the packages contain the amount indicated on the label. Furthermore, gasoline and diesel fuels sold for use in motor vehicles are subject to inspection to ensure that the fuels meet certain quality standards and are properly labeled for sale. These various inspections are performed through the Weights and Measures Program administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Some types of inspections are performed by the Department, while other types are performed by 63 municipalities (57 counties and six cities) under the supervision of the Department.

In our initial audit report 2000-S-24, we found that inspection requirements were not met in some municipalities and Department inspections were not always administered effectively. We recommended that the Department monitor the municipalities more closely, consider developing performance standards for inspections, and make certain improvements in its own inspection procedures and practices. In our follow-up audit, we found that some progress had been made in implementing our recommendations, but additional actions were needed.

For a complete copy of Report 2004-F-14 click here.