The Consumer Services Program inspects weighing and measuring devices annually that are used commercially. Examples of some devices inspected by Consumer Services include store checkout scales and scanners, truck scales, and livestock scales. These devices are inspected and tested in accordance with the given specifications and tolerances. These are set forth in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44. The inspection includes testing the device for accuracy and ensuring the device complies with design, construction and installation requirements. Inspectors also test for net content of packaged commodities in accordance with NIST Handbook 133, labeling, pricing accuracy and egg quality.
Examples of packages inspected are milk, bread, chips, canned goods, meats, cereals, and ice cream. It also includes livestock and pet feed, seed, and numerous other commodities.
Devices found not to be in compliance are placed out of service by service agencies. Agencies must be licensed with the department or reinspected by the NMDA inspectors.
Roxanne Chepsongol, SCS Division Director
ddscs@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-646-1616