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CAA tips the scales in consumers’ favour from May 1
View(s):The public will be able to weigh bread or other goods prior to purchasing them at supermarkets, bakeries and grocery stores and, if items are underweight, they can return or exchange, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.
This will be with effect from May 1 this year, CAA Chairman, Rumy Marzook told the Sunday Times.
The CAA has issued a gazette directing all traders to install a weighing scale verified for its accuracy by the Department of Measurement Units Standards and Services, with effect from May 1, 2015.
He said, though they receive complaints on mobile three-wheelers selling buns and bread, due to the shortage of detection officers, they will initially limit to shops, groceries, bakeries and supermarkets.
Mr Marzook said with regard to bakery items, most of the complaints they receive are on bread.
“A loaf of bread should weigh 450 gm, but if it is less, the customer can return it for a refund or exchange it for a loaf that weighs 450 grams. The CAA has received complaints of bread weighing even 300 gm,” he said.
According to Mr Marzook, the public can complain to the CAA if a bakery or outlet continues to sell underweight bread.
He said the Authority has been taking action against traders using rigged weighing scales and would continue with their raids.
The CAA Chairman requested the public to weigh all purchases even at supermarkets, as they have found canned fish and other goods sold at less than the weight stated in the label.