ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 1, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture is celebrating Weights and Measures Week from March 1-7, recognizing the crucial role played by the Weights and Measures program in ensuring accurate measurements for consumers. This week-long celebration highlights the program's dedication to upholding standards and addressing consumer concerns, promoting integrity and fairness in commerce.

The Weights and Measures program is responsible for inspecting weighing and measuring devices used in businesses across the state to ensure compliance with legal standards. In the previous year, field inspectors conducted close to 25,000 inspections of various commercial devices, including deli scales, shipping scales, fuel pumps, and meters for home heating oil and propane. They also reviewed over 12,000 pre-packaged goods to uphold fair trading practices.

According to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, the Weights and Measures program plays a crucial role in maintaining trust between consumers and businesses. "Our dedicated team is committed to upholding standards and addressing consumer concerns," stated Secretary Atticks.

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One of the key focuses of the program is thoroughly investigating consumer complaints related to weight and measurement discrepancies. In FY 2024, inspectors addressed 189 complaints about various products such as firewood, gasoline, propane, milk jugs, and packaged chicken. Of these complaints, 30% were validated, leading to appropriate enforcement actions to rectify any violations.

The agency's metrology department also plays an essential role in the program by providing calibration and certification services for state and industry standards used by service technicians. In FY 2024 alone, the lab successfully tested and certified approximately 1,500 weights and over 110 volumetric standards.

Weights and Measures Week aligns with National Weights and Measures Week which celebrates President John Adams' signing of the first U.S. weights and measures law in 1799. This year's theme is "Collaborating with Partners and Stakeholders for a Greater Measure of Equity," emphasizing the importance of collaborations in the field of weights and measures.

For further information about the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Weights and Measures Section or to submit a complaint, interested individuals can visit the department's website or contact them at (410) 841-5790 or weights.measures@maryland.gov. The Weights and Measures program remains committed to promoting fair trade practices and ensuring accurate measurements for both consumers and businesses.

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