Local authorities are empowered to inspect premises under the Food Safety Act 1990. Issues caused by fat, oil, and grease in drains, resulting in non-compliance with Food Hygiene regulations, could lead to prosecution or an emergency prohibition order, preventing the premises from trading.
Legal Requirements & Compliance
Proper disposal of food waste fat, oil, and grease is governed by six key laws and regulations. Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions and prosecution. With our team of grease management and drainage experts, you can ensure that all legal requirements are met while receiving exceptional service.
For more information on how our grease management service can be tailored to your commercial catering establishment, contact our team today!
Water Industry Act 1991
Section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991 makes it a criminal offence to discharge substances into public sewers that may obstruct wastewater flow. If a water company incurs costs due to such interference (e.g., removing blockages, cleaning sewers, investigating and remedying flooding or pollution incidents), they can legally recover these costs. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines or imprisonment.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Duty of Care
Commercial premises must comply with Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 (as amended) when arranging waste collection and disposal, including waste cooking oils and fat. The Duty of Care ensures proper waste management from production to final disposal. Waste producers must verify that collectors are registered with the Environment Agency as "registered waste couriers" and maintain records of all collections. Local authorities can request documentation on waste couriers' registration, and failure to provide these documents can result in a £300 fixed penalty notice or prosecution. Local authorities can also perform necessary work and recover costs in cases of default by the owner.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Statutory Nuisance
The environmental health department of the local authority addresses reported complaints of "statutory nuisance," such as smells, effluents, accumulation of refuse, or premises in conditions harmful to health or a nuisance. If a statutory nuisance is identified, the local authority must issue an "abatement notice" under Section 80 of the Act. Non-compliance can lead to prosecution, and the local authority may also abate the nuisance and recover their costs.
Animal By-Products Regulations EC
Since 1 November 2004, waste cooking oil from catering premises cannot be used in animal feed to protect the food chain. Waste cooking oil must be collected by a licensed waste carrier. Additionally, as of October 2007, liquid waste cannot be disposed of in landfills.
Building Act 1984
Section 59 of the Building Act 1984 authorizes local authorities to mandate satisfactory drainage provisions for existing buildings by serving notice to the owner. This may include installing a grease trap. Utilizing a dosing regimen alongside an intercepting device enhances the system's effectiveness.
Food Safety Act 1990
Local authorities are empowered to inspect premises under the Food Safety Act 1990. Issues caused by fat, oil, and grease in drains, resulting in non-compliance with Food Hygiene regulations, could lead to prosecution or an emergency prohibition order, preventing the premises from trading.
Inadequate grease management can lead to high costs in commercial kitchens. To avoid fines, maintenance expenses, and operational disruptions, follow these seven strategies:
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Ready to upgrade your grease management system? Explore the exceptional capabilities of the Big Dipper Grease Trap. Contact us today for a personalised consultation and experience the difference in kitchen efficiency.
We believe that our reputation as a trusted industry Expert is our most valuable asset, so it is vital that our advise is always of the highest quality.
