WI ensures fair trade through inspections

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) plays a crucial role in safeguarding fair trade practices within the state. Their Bureau of Weights and Measures conducts comprehensive inspections to guarantee the accuracy of various measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

Throughout 2023, inspectors visited over 5,500 businesses, conducting more than 226,000 inspections. This intensive effort focused on ensuring the accuracy of:

• Wisconsin gas pumps delivered accurate fuel in nearly 99.6% of inspections, demonstrating a high level of reliability.
• Scales used for selling products by weight, like deli food or precious metals, were accurate or slightly in the customer's favor in over 99.6% of inspections.
• The weight labeling on packaged products, such as flour and sugar, was found to be accurate in 98.6% of inspections, ensuring consumers receive the advertised quantity.
• Prices at checkout registers using scanners were accurate or in the customer's favor in 96.8% of inspections, minimizing the risk of overcharging.

Beyond inspections, DATCP's Weights and Measures Laboratory plays a vital role. This specialized facility not only tests fuel samples for quality (with 98.4% meeting national standards in 2023) but also serves neighboring states by offering calibration services. More importantly, the laboratory maintains the state's official standards of mass and volume, which act as the benchmark for all other measuring instruments used in Wisconsin.

DATCP emphasizes the importance of regular testing and calibration to ensure accuracy. Physical standards and measuring devices naturally experience slight changes over time, so adjustments are crucial to maintain international specifications and prevent inaccuracies.

When discrepancies are found, DATCP takes corrective action. In 2023, they issued over 4,600 orders requiring retailers to rectify inaccurate measurements and prices. Additionally, re-inspections were conducted in over 870 cases to verify compliance. In severe instances, DATCP may pursue higher-level enforcement, as seen in their November 2023 settlement with Dollar General Corporation for alleged price accuracy violations.

To raise awareness of their vital work, DATCP coincides with the national Weights and Measures Week held annually from March 1st to 7th. This year, they invite media representatives to join inspectors on ride-alongs, offering an opportunity to witness the inspection process firsthand.

By safeguarding accurate measurements and fair pricing, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and ensures a level playing field for businesses operating within the state. For additional information or to file a weights and measures complaint, visit datcp.wi.gov, call (608) 224-4942 or email DATCPWeightsAndMeasures@wisconsin.gov.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-art-wager