Post date: Sep 04, 2018 10:25:11 PM

Food prices are a major part of the household budget, and consumers want to make sure they receive the full value of what they purchase. A little knowledge about price, quantity, labeling, and weighing practices can help you become a more informed shopper.

Here are some practical tips to help you get what you pay for.

A. READ THE LABEL

Product labels provide important information about what you are buying and how much you are getting.

Look for:

• Product name and description

• Selling price

• Net quantity

• Unit of measurement

The net quantity may be expressed by weight, measure, or count, such as:

• Ounces

• Pounds

• Grams

• Quarts

• Liters

• Fluid ounces

• Square feet

• Number of pieces

Consumer Tip

Don't judge a product by the size of the package. Read the label and check the net quantity. A large package does not necessarily contain more product.

B. PAY FOR THE PRODUCT—NOT THE PACKAGING

When a product is sold by weight, consumers generally should not be charged for packaging materials that are not part of the product.

The weight of packaging or other material that must be excluded from the sale is commonly referred to as tare.

Tare can include materials such as:

• Containers

• Trays

• Wrapping

• Tissue

• Bags

• Soaking pads

• Other packaging materials

Examples

Apples:
If apples are sold by weight in a plastic bag, the applicable weight should represent the apples—not the bag.

Deli Foods:
If you purchase potato salad, coleslaw, or another deli item by weight, the applicable weight should account for the container or other packaging.

Meat:
When meat is sold by weight, packaging materials such as trays, wrapping, tissue, and soaking pads should not be included in the quantity for which you are charged when they are considered tare under applicable requirements.

C. UNDERSTAND NET WEIGHT, GROSS WEIGHT, AND TARE

Three terms are important when buying products by weight:

Net Weight

The weight of the product itself, excluding applicable packaging materials.

Tare Weight

The weight of the packaging or other material that should be excluded from the sale.

Gross Weight

The combined weight of the product and applicable packaging.

In simple terms:

Gross Weight − Tare Weight = Net Weight

Example

Suppose a package of meat has a labeled net weight of 2.00 pounds.

If you place the unopened package on a scale, the scale may show a weight greater than 2.00 pounds because it includes the packaging.

That difference represents the packaging and other materials included in the gross weight.

Important: Comparing the gross weight of a packaged product directly with its labeled net weight does not, by itself, determine whether you were overcharged. The applicable tare must be properly accounted for when the product is sold by weight.

D. WATCH THE SCALE

When purchasing products by weight at a grocery store, deli, meat counter, or other business, pay attention to the scale.

Consumer Tips

1. Look for the inspection or approval marking.

Commercial scales are subject to weights and measures requirements and may display an inspection or approval seal or other required marking, depending on the jurisdiction.

2. Make sure you can see the display.

The customer should be able to see the information displayed by the scale, including the weight and, when applicable, the price and total amount.

3. Check the zero indication.

Before the product is placed on the scale, the scale should indicate zero or otherwise be properly prepared for the transaction according to the applicable operating requirements.

4. Watch for tare.

Make sure applicable packaging is properly accounted for so you are not charged for material that should be excluded from the sale.

5. Ask questions.

If you are unsure how an item was weighed or how the price was calculated, ask the store employee or manager to explain the transaction.

E. BECOME AN INFORMED CONSUMER

You have the right to understand what you are buying and how you are being charged.

If you have questions about:

• The weight of your product

• The price per pound

• The tare deduction

• The scale reading

• The net quantity

• The price charged

Ask the store manager or employee to explain how the transaction was calculated.

If you believe a business is not following applicable weights and measures requirements, keep your receipt and document the transaction. You may also contact the appropriate Weights and Measures Program and file a complaint.

Remember

Read the label. Watch the scale. Check the price. Pay for the product—not the packaging. Keep your receipt.

An educated consumer is better prepared to recognize potential problems and make informed purchasing decisions.