Massachusetts
Proposed price labeling changes debated in Massachusetts
Proposed price labeling changes debated in Massachusetts
Proposed changes to unit pricing labels in Massachusetts could make them smaller and allow different colors, sparking debate among consumer advocates and industry representatives.
The Division of Standards is considering revisions to unit pricing regulations that would reduce the size of unit price labels and permit a variety of background colors instead of the traditional orange. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for retailers but have raised concerns among consumer advocates who argue it may hinder consumers’ ability to compare prices effectively.
Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, testified against the proposed changes at a state house hearing, emphasizing that smaller labels could make it difficult for consumers, especially older ones, to read unit prices.
“They want to make it only six millimeters,” Dworsky said. “That’s less than a quarter of an inch.”
According to Dworsky, the hearing saw participation from five speakers, with four representing consumer groups and one from the industry. The Mass Retailers Association’s general counsel supported the changes, citing increased flexibility for businesses.
Consumer advocates expressed concerns that the changes could be confusing for shoppers, particularly if unit prices are displayed on backgrounds traditionally used for sale prices, such as yellow.
“For over 50 years we’ve been telling people look for the orange unit price on the shelf. That will help you find the best deal and compare prices more easily and save money,” Dworsky said. “What’s the reason that you would want a different color?”
Dworsky highlighted that while the proposed regulations might make unit prices less visible, they do include a positive aspect: unit prices will have to be consistent regardless of any discounts or digital coupons applied, making it easier for consumers to compare prices.
The Division of Standards is accepting feedback from consumers and businesses until the end of the month, after which they will decide on the final rules.
You can view the proposal here.
You can email the Division of Standards at standards.mail@mass.gov
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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