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Category Archives: Measurement Standards

Video: Measurement standards protect consumers and businesses in commercial transactions

February 18, 2015   Office of Public Affairs

This video by the California Department of Food and Agriculture features Kristin Macey, director of the department’s Division of Measurement Standards, explaining the importance of preserving and enforcing uniform standards of measurement to protect both consumers and businesses in commercial transactions.

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Measurement Standards: It All Started Down on the Farm…

February 11, 2015   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

When you go to the supermarket and you buy a gallon of milk or a pound of oranges, how do you know you’re getting your money’s worth? How about a quart of oil, or an acre of land, or a truckload of building materials? Well, it all started down on the farm… As our ancestors made the transition from their …

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Hydrogen Highway Update: Public fueling stations one step closer to “go” thanks to CDFA’s expertise

February 3, 2015   Office of Public Affairs

The recent christening of a hydrogen fuel dispenser at the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility at Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA) represents a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to counter climate change. The station is the first of its kind in California and the U.S. to pass a key test known as “type evaluation,” administered by CDFA’s Division of …

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Taking Measure of Farm-to-Fork – It’s Weights and Measures Week

March 5, 2014   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

With the “Farm to Fork” concept getting more and more attention, it’s worth noting that it’s essential to maintain the integrity of commerce as food products move from farm to fork. In observing National Weights and Measures week (March 1-7), CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) protects both businesses and consumers in commerce by ensuring fair competition and accurate value comparisons. …

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Diesel Fuel Substitute Shows Promise – CDFA Partnering in Test Project

June 20, 2013   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

A new fuel will soon be powering some vehicles in a test project in California. Volvo’s heavy truck division is partnering with an innovative California start-up, Oberon Fuels, to develop Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a diesel engine fuel replacement, at a price comparable to regular diesel fuel. DME, already in use as a propellant in many consumer products, is a non-toxic, …

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New Algae-Based Biodiesel Meets State Fuel Quality Standards

December 12, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

The Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) has tested samples of a new 20 percent biodiesel blend fuel made from algae and is happy to report that the fuel is compliant with California’s quality specification for biodiesel blends.  The new fuel became available November 13, 2012 at four gas stations in Berkeley, Oakland, Redwood City and …

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Buyer beware during the holiday season – check those prices!

November 19, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

It’s that time of year again. Holiday shopping is already underway and will increase in earnest during the Thanksgiving weekend. As frugal consumers, it’s time for us to note the advertisements, synchronize our shopping lists, and hope to strike a bargain.  Whether it’s a flat screen TV, the latest communications gadget, or the coolest toy, we want the best price …

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CDFA helps reel in catch of short measure tuna cans

August 8, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

You may have heard recently that some of the largest tuna packagers in the country agreed to pay several million dollars to settle a case that started with the discovery that cans of tuna contained less fish than required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of the cans had up to 33 percent less fish than required. This …

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Measuring the Olympics

August 2, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

The Olympic Games are one of the greatest international stages in the world, with the best athletes coming together for feats of skill, strength and endurance. But medal winners rely on more than just ability.  A precise system of measurements, distances and timing is required to maintain the integrity of the competition. Before the games even begin, meticulous care is …

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Alternative Fuels in California

June 29, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

It’s been a watershed few weeks for alternative fuels in California with more than $30 million in grant funding announced recently by the California Energy Commission for research, development and distribution. At CDFA, we pay close attention to the distribution side at our Division of Measurement Standards (DMS). One of the grants went to Propel Fuels, which will build 100 …

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