The Consumers’ Association has called on the government to carry out spot-checks on the weight of loaves of Maltese bread, after an exercise it carried out revealed that the loaves were weighing far less than they should.

The association carried out the exercise after the price of a loaf of Maltese bread was increased by two cents. It said that having increased the price, the government should ensure that the size and weight of the loaves are adhered to because the price had been increased following an agreement with bakers about the weight of a loaf of Maltese bread.

In a statement, the association said it purchased a large loaf of Maltese bread from Zabbar, Fgura, Birkirkara and Mosta and in none of the cases did the weight tally with the standard – 600 grammes. The bread in question was found to weigh 540 grammes – less than is laid down in the regulations.

The association called on the government to ensure that the agreement with bakers is implemented in full and not only those parts that suit the bakers.