Restaurants and cafes in Bahrain are set to be required to install grease traps or risk losing their licenses, following nearly a year of advocacy from the Muharraq Municipal Council. Vice Chairman Saleh Buhaza proposed the idea in November 2023 to prevent harmful waste, particularly fats, oils, and grease, from clogging the sewage system and causing serious plumbing issues. The new regulation aims to improve hygiene standards across Bahrain and protect the environment.
Grease traps are essential for keeping fats, oils, and grease out of wastewater systems in food establishments. These devices slow the flow of wastewater to allow FOG to rise to the surface and solidify, while cleaner water continues through the system, preventing clogs and costly plumbing repairs. The installation of grease traps is crucial for businesses to maintain hygiene standards and comply with local regulations, ensuring the proper disposal of waste and protecting the environment.
The Ministry of Health has approved the Muharraq Municipal Council’s proposal for requiring grease traps in all restaurants and cafes. The installation of grease traps will now be linked to the issuance of business licenses, with approval required from the Ministry of Works to ensure proper fitting. Following consultations with relevant government agencies, the Ministry of Health will take the necessary steps to incorporate the requirement for grease traps into health regulations for food establishments under the public health law.
The council’s proposal for mandatory grease traps in food-related businesses was formally submitted in December 2023, after consultations with the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and other government departments to evaluate its feasibility. In early October, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs 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 as a prerequisite for obtaining a business license. This decision is supported by legal powers granted to the council to protect public health and the environment.
In conclusion, the new regulation requiring the installation of grease traps in restaurants and cafes in Bahrain is a crucial step towards improving hygiene standards and protecting the environment. Vice Chairman Saleh Buhaza’s advocacy for stricter sanitation measures has led to this initiative, which will help prevent harmful waste from clogging the sewage system and causing plumbing issues. By ensuring the proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, businesses can comply with local regulations, maintain hygiene standards, and avoid costly plumbing repairs. The approval of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Works further enforce the importance of grease traps in food establishments for public health and environmental protection.
