The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) will celebrate Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Building a Lasting Legacy,’ reflects TDA’s pledge to uphold the highest standards and adapt to new weights and measures technologies.
“Consumers depend on weights and measures inspectors whose work protects them in ways they may not realize,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Nearly everything we purchase is measured, weighed, or counted before it’s bought or sold. Our weights and measures officials ensure shoppers receive the correct quantity of goods at the posted price.”
TDA inspectors are responsible for UPC price verification scanner inspections and checking signage, advertisements, and price calculations at retailers. By ensuring fair pricing practices, weights and measures inspectors protect consumers from overcharges and help maintain trust in the marketplace. Additionally, weights and measures staff test grocery store scales, gas pumps, airport scales, and truck scales.
As part of the Consumer and Industry Services Division, the Weights and Measures Section includes the Johnson Metrology Laboratory that maintains and houses the primary standards of mass and volume for the State of Tennessee. The lab offers calibration services using the most current equipment and testing capabilities.
Weights and Measures Week is celebrated each year commemorating the signing of the first U.S. weights and measures law on March 2, 1799. Tennessee is a member of the National Conference on Weights and Measures.
