Restaurants Must Install Grease Traps

TDT | Manama                                                      

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Restaurants and cafés in Bahrain will soon be required to install grease traps or risk losing their licenses. This new regulation, confirmed last week, follows nearly a year of persistent advocacy from the Muharraq Municipal Council for stricter sanitation measures across Bahrain.

Vice Chairman Saleh Buhaza first proposed the idea in November 2023, emphasising that grease traps are crucial for preventing harmful waste, particularly fats, oils, and grease (FOG), from clogging the sewage system. These substances often lead to serious plumbing issues, and this initiative aims to improve hygiene standards in the region.

Commercial grease traps are vital for keeping FOG out of wastewater systems in restaurants and cafés. Installed in the plumbing lines, these devices slow the flow of wastewater, allowing FOG to rise to the surface and solidify while cleaner water continues through the system. By preventing clogs in the sewage system, grease traps not only help avoid costly plumbing repairs but also play a crucial role in protecting the environment. For food businesses, installing these traps is essential to maintain hygiene standards and comply with local regulations.

In a related development, the Ministry of Health approved the Muharraq Municipal Council’s proposal for requiring grease traps in all restaurants and cafés. The ministry stated that installation would be linked to the issuance of business licences, contingent upon approval from the Ministry of Works.

In their response, the Ministry of Health indicated that, following consultations with relevant government agencies, it would take the necessary steps to incorporate the requirement for grease traps into the health regulations mandated for food establishments under public health law.

The council formally submitted its request in a letter dated 3 December 2023. In the months that followed, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and other government departments were consulted to evaluate the proposal’s feasibility.

In early October, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs officially notified the council that the measure had been approved by the Ministry of Health, making it mandatory for all food-related businesses in Muharraq to install grease traps. Installation will now be a prerequisite for obtaining a business licence, with approval from the Ministry of Works required to ensure proper fitting.

This decision is backed by legal powers granted to the council to take necessary actions to protect public health and the environment.