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Consumer Affairs Pricing of Foods Sold from Bulk by Weight (Deli Products, Salad Bars, and Bulk Candy) The Seattle Municipal Code requires that all commodities that are sold by weight must be sold by net weight [Seattle Municipal Code, Section 7.04.500]. For bulk food sales, stores must deduct the (tare) weight of the container. For example, the weight of plastic trays used at salad bars must be deducted from the total weight to avoid overcharging the customer. Generally, stores will use a price look-up (PLU) code to deduct the tare weight for standard size containers. Pricing practices that tend to mislead a customer are prohibited by the Weights and Measures Code, "It is unlawful for any person...to...sell, or offer or expose for sale, less than the quantity he represents of any commodity..."[SMC 7.04.690A.5]. Food sold from bulk must be advertised in terms of whole pounds. Advertising which offers to sell food from bulk by the ounce and fractional pricing (e.g., price per ¼ pound) are prohibited. A supplemental price (e.g., price per ounce) is permitted provided that the print size is not larger than the price per pound. Examples of correct and incorrect pricing displays are shown below:
Likewise, the unit price display of scales used to sell food from bulk must be in terms of whole pounds. And the display must be visible to the customer. The sales receipt from cash registers interfaced with a scale at the checkout stand must include the following information: (1) the net weight; (2) the unit price (i.e., price per pound); (3) the total price; and (4) product identification. The Consumer Affairs Unit is available to answer any questions regarding sales of food from bulk. If you need assistance please contact us. |
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