Bavarian baker pays 15,000 euros for new scales after weight dispute

A Bavarian baker, Matthias Breitner, has reportedly spent approximately 15,000 euros on new weighing equipment following a dispute with a customer in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.

The conflict began when a customer emailed Breitner, claiming that a half-loaf of bread weighed 10 grams less than half of the total declared weight. After Breitner responded informally to the complaint, the customer reported the matter to the authorities. The local weights and measures office informed Breitner that he can no longer sell pre-cut halves of bread without weighing each piece individually at the point of sale.

These requirements stem from the German Prepackaged Goods Ordinance (Fertigpackungsverordnung), which implements European Union and national regulations. To comply without selling pre-packaged halves, Breitner had to install new scales across all his bakery locations. Some other bakeries in the region have reportedly stopped selling half-loaves entirely to avoid similar legal challenges and inspections.