Check weight of goods before purchase – GNBS urges holiday shoppers

In the busy season of Christmas where consumers are likely to purchase a variety of goods, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has urged consumers to be mindful of their purchases so that they get value for money.
GNBS said it uses highly accurate equipment and skilled professionals to inspect scales, meters and packaged products in stores, markets and supermarkets to ensure equity in trade. Despite fulfilling its mandate, consumers should also play their part.
“Everything we buy is sold by weight, measure or count…While the GNBS has been executing its mandate to ensure all weighing and measuring instruments used in trade are verified (stamped) and in conformance with the Weights and Measures Act, consumers have meaningful roles to play to guarantee that they are not given short weights and measures.”
When purchasing goods, it was advised that the supplier or business establishment should be using measuring instruments that are verified, suitable and accurate.
It is recommended to buy goods from vendors who are using verified scales and other verified measuring instruments. If used properly, approved devices give correct weights or measures. Persons should also look for GNBS verification seals on devices. The affixed GNBS seals are one way of determining whether the instrument was verified.
More importantly, persons can ensure that the device used to weigh or measure their goods is clean and tidy. Dirty devices often give inaccurate weights and measures and can cause the contamination of goods.
“Make sure that you can see the measuring indicator of scales. Ensure that the scale is positioned in a manner which will allow you to see the weighing process. Do not buy from vendors or shopkeepers using the domestic (kitchen) scales. These scales are not approved for commercial trade because their internal mechanisms are quickly worn, hence they give inaccurate weights,” it stated.
Consumers can also choose not to accept a purchase if they have doubts about the weight or measure. It was recommended to buy in metric quantities. Instruments used in the market place are in metric units and by requesting goods in metric quantities you are assured of the quantity of goods issued to you.
“Buy all solids by weight instead of measure. Rice, peas and channa are solid goods and all solids must be weighed, not measured. Request these goods in grams and kilograms. Buy pre-packaged goods that are labelled with the quantity or net content.”
Persons can call the GNBS hotline or visit the Weights and Measures office in their region and make complaints if the need arises.
Notably, nearly all measurable goods must have quantities stated in metric amounts such as kilograms, litres or meters. Equivalent ‘imperial’ quantities such as pounds, ounces, pints and yards may be given in addition to the required metric indicators. (G12)