MDA Reports Weights and Measures Law Violations

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Weights and Measures Section inspects and regulates devices used to determine the quantity of commodities as diverse as fuel oil, food products, livestock, grain, and precious metals. The Weights and Measures Section reported enforcement activity between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012, which is shown below. This announcement is part of MDA’s efforts to make the public aware of the agency’s regulatory activities on a routine basis.

• Safeway 945, Potomac — On Sept. 17, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Giant Food 108, Baltimore — On Sept. 27, MDA received $2,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Giant Food 127, Olney — On Sept. 27, MDA received $1,500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Harris Teeter, Potomac — On Oct. 11, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Giant Food 329, Rockville — On Oct. 25, MDA received $2,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Whole Foods 70, Rockville — On Oct. 25, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Ceriello Fine Foods, Baltimore — On Nov. 1, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Shop Rite, White Oak — On Nov. 14, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Safeway 4868, Laurel — On Nov. 16, MDA received $1,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Atlantic Supermarket, Langley Park — On Nov. 26, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Giant Food 362, Germantown — On Nov. 26, MDA received $2,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Giant Food 319, Rockville — On Nov. 26, MDA received $500.00 for a civil penalty assessed for short weight.

• Advanced Auto Parts, Baltimore — On Oct. 3, MDA received $1,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for price verification.

• CVS 5764, Baltimore — On Nov. 1, MDA received $1,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for price verification.

• CVS 4411, Baltimore — On Nov. 1, MDA received $2,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for price verification.

• CVS 4411, Baltimore — On Dec. 27, MDA received $2,000.00 for a civil penalty assessed for price verification.

During FY 2012, MDA issued a total of 93 civil penalties in the amount of $94,250, most for packaging short weight violations and price misrepresentation. MDA completed field inspections of 8,261 package lots with 19.4 percent in violation; 16,002 price scanning and method of sale was inspected with 3.4 percent in violation. MDA field inspectors conducted 1,067 large scale inspections, with 16.1 percent in violation; 743 medium scale inspections, with 16 percent in violation; and 8,385 small scale inspections, with 21.5 percent in violation. MDA also inspected 28,970 retail gasoline meters, with 19.6 percent in violation; 481 LP gas meters, with 27.8 percent in violation; and 1,104 vehicle tank and rack meters, with 12 percent in violation. Inspectors tested 134 grain moisture meters, with 24.6 percent in violation. Other inspections include 2,072 tare inspections, with 11.9 percent in violation; and 1,294 inspections of delivery tickets, with 0.7 percent in violation. The state metrology lab conducted tests on 1,726 weights, with 13.3 percent rejected; 34 volumetric measures, with 41.2 percent rejected; 31 temperature devices, 2 timing devices and 405 grain samples. The lab completed National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) re-accreditation in November 2012.

MDA also investigated 584 consumer complaints during FY 2012, most related to complaints about the accuracy of retail motor fuel dispensers. That is an average of 2.4 complaints investigated every work day.

MDA’s Regulatory Information Center is designed to provide information to the public about enforcement actions the department takes in response to violations of state laws or regulations. This information includes administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions. For more information visit: www.mda.maryland.gov/news_room/reg_center.php.

For more than 35 years, MDA has been protecting consumers and the environment and ensuring fairness in the marketplace through enforcement of the law. MDA strives for swift resolution to violations of the laws in the Agriculture Article and the deterrence of future violations by the regulated community.