(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Inspectors in every U.S. state inspect and test scales at grocery stores and food manufacturing plants by using standard weights and rigorous procedures to help ensure the measurements are done correctly and fairly. Weights and measures make it possible for businesses to receive fair compensation for their products and enable consumers to get what they pay for.

Whether it’s bananas, olives, potato salad, or cereal, many products are priced according to their weight. And that weight is likely determined on a scale tested and certified by a specially trained state or local inspector. Weights and measures underpin approximately half of the United States gross domestic product (GDP), so it’s important to get things right.

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