Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. We are taking the children on a field trip to a farm for a hayride and to pick pumpkins. I would like to have an idea of how pumpkins are sold and if there are any requirements for selling pumpkins so I can make this a great learning experience as well as some fun and fresh air. – L.F., Perkasie
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A. When you buy pumpkins from folks who sell them by the pound, there are a few guidelines to follow. For instance, if the seller puts the pumpkin in a box first and then places it on the scale, the box weight must be deducted as the “tare” weight. This is the weight of a container or wrapper that is deducted from the gross weight to obtain net weight. If the pumpkin is placed on the scale, without any packaging, that is the actual weight and you should be charged accordingly.
Pennsylvania requires that any scales used for commerce (the buying and selling of goods) must be inspected for accuracy and then marked with a seal/sticker from the issuing department. In Bucks County, that is done by the Department of Weights and Measures, their main office located in Doylestown. In fact, consumers that notice scales being used that are not inspected can contact this department @ 215-348-7442.
If you would like to learn more about the Bucks County Weights and Measures Department, please visit us at www.buckscounty.org under “Consumer Protection” in the “Quick Links” section on the right hand side of the page.
