Weights body calls for use of right scales

By MAILESI BANDA THE use of non-approved and unverified scales is illegal and compromises the quantities of goods being weighed, Zambia Weights and Measures Agency, public relations officer Mutale Chileshe has warned.

Mr. Chileshe urged consumers to report underweight products for investigation to the Zambia Weights and Measure Agency.

He was speaking when they seized 146 loaves of bread for being underweight from bakeries in Lusaka’s Chaisa and Mandevu areas.

He explained that the loaves were found to be below the declared weight on the packaging, adding that this was deceptive to the customers.

“According to SI No 121 of 1998 of the Weights and Measures Act, the standard bread weights are 600g, 700g and 800g which must correspond to the weight declared on the packaging,” Mr Chileshe said.

He said the SI also provided that the weight should not vary more than two (02) percent less or four per cent more of the declared weight.

Mr Chileshe said the loaves of bread that were seized from bakeries were later taken to Court for disposal and that the bakeries were also found to be trading without approved and verified scales.

He said the owners had been summoned to a hearing where corrective action would be taken to ensure compliance with weights and measures regulations.

He said they had intensified inspections to protect consumers as regards measured goods due to a number of consumers complaining of underweight bread being sold in bakeries and certain retail stores.

“We also calling upon traders to check with the Zambia Weights and Measures Agency to ensure that their businesses are in compliance with weights and measures regulations,” Mr Chileshe said.