For UK food businesses that sell packed goods based on weight, compliance with Weights and Measures Regulations (2006) can be a daunting and confusing task. When handling a higher volume of products, businesses should use the average weight system – meaning products must be packed to an average quantity that is displayed on the label. In this article, we’ll explore how the Stevens Average Weight System can help businesses stay in line with these regulations.
To comply with this system, you must check sample batches to ensure that they adhere to the Three Packers’ Rules. These rules are in place to protect the consumer, making sure that on average they are getting the correct quantity for their purchase. Following these rules can be overwhelming without a correct procedure or system in place – that’s why we developed the Stevens Average Weight System.
Our Average Weight System is the ideal solution for food businesses in the UK looking to comply with Weights and Measures Regulations (2006). Designed with the Three Packers’ Rules in mind, and with the guidance of one of those responsible for writing the legislation, our system has several features that makes compliance a breeze.
Read on below to learn more about how it aids compliance…
1. Trade approved scale for precise weighing.
The Stevens Average Weight System is built with a stainless steel, 360x200mm weighing scale that is calibrated and trade approved ready for instant use. This scale provides precise weighing measurements for your products and has undergone strict testing to make sure it is suitable for trade use. This means you can rely on it to provide accurate measurements for legal compliance.
The hardware also includes a hygienic, tubular stainless-steel frame that makes it easy to clean and robust enough to be used in tougher manufacturing environments.
2. Underweight product tracking for T1 and T2 weights.
A core component of our system is the average weight software that is developed with the Three Packers’ Rules at its core. This software is designed to make sure that your products comply with these rules, with functionality to track your weighing measurements and more importantly, track any T1 and T2 results in your batches.
During batch weighing, the percentage of T1s and the number of T2s are visible and easy to see on-screen for real-time feedback to the operator. Furthermore, you can set up custom alerts and notifications in the case of any failed batches, so that you and your operators are always aware.
3. Automatic average weight data records.
Our system tracks and displays real-time average weight data for your weighed batches. This data is automatically recorded and stored in the Stevens Management Suite, so it can be referred to and used to generate electronic reports (more on that below).
Metrics that are tracked and recorded include:
- Nominal weight
- Average weight of batch
- Percentage of T1s
- Number of T2s
- Standard deviation of batch
For relevant real-time feedback, you can change the terminal screen to display the relevant information your operators need when weighing batches. Choose between a weighing screen with real-time weighing feedback for each product, or a whole batch graph that shows the results of all products in the ongoing batch.
4. Electronic reporting for fast evidence.
Like all of our systems, a Stevens Reports package is included with the Average Weight System. These reports give you and your team all the necessary information you need on your production runs. In this case, you’ll get reports like batch summary reports that will detail all of the relevant average weight data in one comprehensive report, produced electronically at the click of button.
Audits and compliance have never been simpler. Using our system, every batch and weighed product is automatically recorded and that data can then be produced in seconds to prove your production line is complying with Weights and Measure Regulations (2006).
5. Quality assurance controls.
Using the Stevens Management module included with your system, your management team can set up and manage various elements of your production process. This includes setting up recipe steps and associated weights required for ingredients and finished products. You’ll also have control over:
- Operator privileges
- Product database
- Product tares
- Locations
You can assign steps in your recipes to make sure that operators are checking and verifying certain elements of your process, like setting up questions to operators to make sure they’re mindful of their environment and the requirements for compliance. You might also set up routine checks for team leaders, to verify that there are no issues with your line, and to check that batches are compliant.
See how our system can help your Weights and Measures compliance strategy.
If you’re looking to implement a new system in your business to help with Weights and Measures compliance, our Average Weight System is the ideal solution.
For more information on our system, or to book a free demo, contact our team using the form below or by emailing us at [email protected].
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