History of Weights & Measures in San Diego County

In 1913, the California State Legislature created the Office of State Superintendent of Weights and Measures to oversee the development of specifications and tolerances for weighing and measuring devices, the accuracy of such devices used in commerce, inspection of railroad track scales, and weights and measures used in State hospitals and prisons.

County officials became active in assisting the State by inspecting, adjusting, and sealing weighing apparatus. Faulty weighing devices were confiscated or corrected.

Net container legislation enacted in 1913 safeguarded the public against deception, such as using false-bottom and solid glass-bottom bottles. It provided for the labeling of net quantity of foodstuffs or medicine when offered for sale in containers. 

The 1915 Weighmaster Act provided for the licensing and oversight of individuals and companies engaging in the business of public weighing for hire and issuing weight or measure certificates upon which the purchase or sale of bulk commodities was based.

In 1921, the State Department of Agriculture was reorganized, and the Office of State Superintendent of Weights and Measures became a part of the Department of Agriculture as the Division of Weights and Measures. 

Between 1939 and 1948, the Division was reorganized as a Bureau and placed first under the Division of Economics, then the Division of Marketing, and later the Division of Compliance.

In 1972, the Bureau of Weights and Measures was again reorganized as a division and renamed the Division of Measurement Standards.   

The Division works closely with county sealers of weights and measures who, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, carry out the vast majority of weights and measures enforcement activities at the local level. Ensuring fair competition for industry and accurate value comparison for consumers are the primary functions of the County/State programs.

In San Diego County, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Sealer of Weights and Measures consolidated into one department: the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM).

The primary functions carried out by Weights and Measures officials are ensuring fair and honest competition for industry and accurate value comparison for consumers.

Currently, AWM administers several programs, including Measurement Compliance, Petroleum Products, and Weighmaster Enforcement. Weights and Measures Inspectors check the accuracy of packaged commodities, meters, scales, and gas pumps, and ensure accurate prices. They also test the quality of automotive products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, and brake fluid. 

Thanks to the inspections and investigations conducted by Weights and Measures officials, consumers can be confident when shopping that they get what they pay for.