Just to see if the system seemed to be working, we spot-checked 5 supermarkets in the Wellington area.
In their self-weighing fruit and veg section, 4 of the 5 supermarkets had scales without certificates of accuracy. That's OK up to a point - neither certificates, nor verification are required here because the scales are not used for "trade" (that is, a selling price is not set using these scales).
All the supermarket checkout scales had current certificates of accuracy.
Our advice
- The system is reasonably rigorous. You can have confidence that the goods you purchase have been weighed accurately and the fuel you buy dispensed accurately. But cracks may develop in any system - and failures can occur.
- We think supermarket product scales should have current certificates of accuracy.
- If you think you've been short-measured, you can contact the MAPSS service directly (see below). It will investigate.
More information
For consumers - Ministry of Consumer Affairs MAPSS
For businesses - Ministry of Consumer Affairs MAPSS
0508 627 774 (freephone)
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