Bureau of Stds check stores for accuracy and quality

Shopping is in full swing as Belizeans stock up on last minute groceries for the Christmas meal. That is why the Bureau of Standards is also making stops at those stores, checking scales and pre-packaged items to make sure the shopkeepers are giving customers what they pay for. We caught up with the inspection team at a shopping centre on Neal Pen Road.

Luis Choc, Technical Assistant, Bureau of Stds
“The scale is okay and then the pre-packaged goods on the other hand, they need to put a price on the item because all the items you see on the shelf, the rice, beans that are pre-packed, those are required by law to be priced because it’s a price control commodity—that is the reason I am telling him he needs to put a price on it and that is not the first time I am telling him this. He knows about it.”

“The purpose for placing the seal on the scale is to have additional security so that the person does not tamper with the scale. In this case, the person can—I am not saying that he is doing it, but he can tamper with it and set the scale to whatever weight he wants before he makes the sale. Belize City is big, so I wouldn’t be able to give you an exact time table. I am looking at a month basically.”

Duane Moody
“And for the whole country?”

Luis Choc
“I am looking at per quarter, every three to four months. I have just started Belize City, so I have a lot more to do in Belize City. Starting in January, we will be doing inspections in the districts.”