Wal-Mart to Pay Wis. for Overcharges
Milwaukee, Wal-Mart will pay the state of Wisconsin almost $90,000 for overcharging customers for bulk coffee and vegetables, the state announced Wednesday.
Inspectors for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection found 280 violations of weights and measures rules at nine Wal-Mart locations canvassed last year. The inspectors checked a total of 40 Wal-Mart stores.
The stores were charging customers for the weight of packaging when they bought bulk items such as coffee, broccoli and sweet potatoes, the DATCP said. State law requires stores to subtract the weight of packaging material when weighing food.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sharon Weber said the company has taken action to correct the problem and make sure its weights are accurate.
“Wal-Mart directed all of its Wisconsin stores to implement the new procedures, including those that were cited,” she said, adding that the company "regrets any inconvenience."