Scales must conform to National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) standards. Scales that comply with NTEP guidelines typically will be marked with the NTEP logo and the associated accuracy class which is normally “III” with produce scales. Scales marked “not legal for trade” are not acceptable for retail use in Tennessee. Scales must also comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 (H44) which mandates tolerances, specifications and other technical requirements for all weighing and measuring devices. Both NTEP and H44 requirements are national standards utilized by the vast majority of all states. See article

This is actually pretty easy to accomplish. First, do your homework and determine what price per ounce you wish to charge your customers in order to make a profit. Next, you’ll want to purchase at least two legal for trade price computing scales that display weight in ounces for each frozen yogurt shop since the weight of the items is imperative to your operation. If one scale was to fail for some reason, you would have another in place. And with the two scales in place, you can now charge customers for their frozen yogurt and get paid dollars per ounce. You simply fill up the cup with frozen yogurt, place it on the scale and obtain your price per ounce. Now if a customer or an employee adds more or less yogurt to a “medium” cup, the customer is paying for what they get.

In this case we will look at the traditional standard 30 x 0.01 lb scale versus the 0-15 x 0.005 lb / 15-30 lb x 0.01 lb dual range CAS Model.  We’ll weigh the same item and it will have the same price per pound.  See example below.

Standard ……………………………………… CAS S2000JR
0.01 scale……………………………………. 0.005 lb scale
$8.99 ……… Price Per Pound …………….. $8.99
0.90 lb …….. Weight registered ………….. 0.905 lb
$8.09 ….. Amount Your Customer Pays….. $8.14
——————————————————————————-
Result:  5 cents extra on this transaction

Now, multiply your 5 cents by 100 transactions a day = $5
Finally, multiply your $5 gain per day times 365 days = $1825

With this example, you can easily see how a dual range scale can provide you with higher accuracy and put a lot more money in your pocket.

For use with larger packages or for use in delis, grocery and convenience stores, the OHAUS RE price computing scale features a large 9.5 x 13.5 inch weighing pan made from thick stainless steel to stand-up to years of use. Available in both a regular form factor as well as with a 16.7 inch tall column for the display, the RE line quickly displays weights on its large backlit LED display. All RE models can be powered by 6 “D” cell batteries for up to 60 hours continuous use with a easily visible battery status indicator, or using the included AC powerpack. To conserve power the RA has a battery-saving low-power sleep feature.  The RE is available in two 30 lb models – one with the column – as well as a 60 lb model without column. The Prepack Pricing mode is a key feature for stores who price-out larger runs of items, especially for smaller stores and delis.

The call to action, ultimately, Americans make their own food and physical activity choices at the individual (and family) level. In order for Americans to make healthy choices, however, they need to have opportunities to purchase and consume healthy foods and engage in physical activity. One way to do this is to ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious foods. Research has demonstrated that some Americans lack access to affordable nutritious foods. This lack of access makes it a challenge for many Americans to consume a diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. Thus, access may be related to overall disparities in health. In order for individuals and families to be able to make healthy lifestyle choices, they first need to be aware of and have access to those healthy choices. Access includes not only availability of these choices, but also affordability and safety. Acceptability of the choices is also important. The following strategies can be used to help ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity:

• Create local, State, and national-level strategic plans to achieve Dietary Guidelines and Physical Activity Guidelines recommendations among individuals, families, and communities.
• Recognize health disparities among subpopulations and ensure equitable access to safe and affordable healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity for all people.
• Expand access to grocery stores, farmers markets, and other outlets for healthy foods.
• Develop and expand safe, effective, and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture practices to ensure availability of recommended amounts of healthy foods to all segments of the population.

For a complete summary please see this link

One note to consider, if you are just looking for a simple label with weight and price, you may want to consider something like the CAS S2000 JR price computing scale. However, if you are looking for a legal for trade printing scale that can print ingredients or have built in Price look ups, the LP1000 is the scale for you.

1. Buy a NTEP Approved Legal for Trade Scale. In most cases, you do not receive any paperwork saying your scale is “certified”. All you receive is your scale, with the certificate of conformance number (CoC#) stamped on the side of the scale.
2. Have the scale checked and calibrated in your store or at your produce stand, in other words in its final working location — by either a local scale company or the state weights & measures. At this point, in most cases, you receive paperwork showing the test results.
3. Have the state weights & measures come by and “certify” your scale and place their sticker on the scale.

So as you can see, in most cases you can search for and buy “certified scales” but they aren’t quite certified until you do a little homework upon receiving your scale.  The reason for this is simple. A scale can be NTEP approved and have a CoC# but that doesn’t mean it is 100 percent accurate. Perhaps the scale was calibrated in a different region of the country and gravity has changed just enough to throw the calibration off. Suppose the delivery company decided to use your scale as a football? That can very easily throw off the calibration of a scale. That is why it is always a good idea to buy your NTEP Approved “certified scale” and get it checked and calibrated locally to ensure you comply with your state regulations.

Do some research and buy a legal for trade price computing scale that can be certified by the state.  In most states it is a requirement.  However, sometimes due to budget restraints and manpower, merchants get the idea that they can get away with not purchasing a legal for trade scale.  Sometimes every now and then you hear comments from sellers of fruit and vegetables who sell produce at farmers markets, that they don’t worry about bending the rules of the State Weights and Measures Department.  The thought process basically being, “we are not a priority for the Department of Agriculture.”  Need proof, take a look at the article below