Do you know that the scales at marketplaces, supermarkets and grocery shops must be inspected and verified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS)?
This verification is sealed with a yellow stamp placed on each scale and without it, the Standard’s Body is urging customers to not make purchases.
The issue has come to the fore as the Guyana Bureau of Standards (GNBS) embarks on the first quarterly verification exercise which starts on Tuesday.
“As a consumer, if you are going to make your purchase, pay attention and look for the sticker because it should be visible.
“So, if the sticker is not there, I urge you do not do not buy from that person,” said the Head of GNBS’ Communications Unit, Lloyd David.
He told the News Room on Monday that the Bureau would engage in year-round surveillance activities with seizures twice yearly; verification of scales is done from January to March and July to September. But despite this, the use of illegal scales on the domestic market continues to pose a challenge.
“You see so many of them, hundreds of them on the market, they are still there still returning because it is very convenient for the vendors,” David added.
Because the scales are usually designed for domestic use, they often give inaccurate readings. This is why the GNBS will be increasing its verification exercises.
Vendors of dry goods and other weighable commodities are being placed on notice that efforts will be ramped up to get unverified scales out of marketplaces and grocery shops.
“They are checked regularly to ensure that they are adjusted, that they are in clean and tidy condition and most importantly, that they are well suited for trade.
Head of GNBS’ Corporate Communications Unit, Lloyd David holding up the verification stamp. Persons should look for this when making purchases. (Photo: News Room/ January 10, 2021)
“It ensures that the user benefits and the consumer benefits and it is not a costly exercise. It does not take a lot of time. It’s very quick,” David explained.
Last year, the GNBS started to ramp up its surveillance inspections to ensure that vendors and shopkeepers are using approved measuring devices.
In total, 5,719 premises were visited countrywide resulting in 895 scales, 74 masses, 1 measure and 1 moisture meter being seized and removed.
This year, the Standards Body is looking to double these numbers.
