Restaurants will be forbidden from pouring fats, oils and grease straight down the sink, after the House of Assembly approved a new environmentally conscious Bill.

Health and seniors minister Jeanne Atherden introduced the Public Health Amendment (No 2) Act 2016 on Friday, requiring food establishments to fit grease traps.

In 2014, discharge from the Seabright outfall on South Shore caused the US Consul to warn bathers to check their immunisations against Hepatitis A and typhoid before taking to the waves.

After the embarrassing episode, which saw “greaseballs” of sewage washing up on beaches, the Bermuda Government vowed to reduce the harmful fats, oils and grease in the island’s waste stream.

“Strenuous efforts have been made to prevent reoccurrence,” Ms Atherden told MPs.

She went on to explain that 67 food establishments connected to the City of Hamilton’s sewer system had installed grease interceptors, while those in St George’s were following suit.

Establishments must purchase their own grease traps, at a cost of about $500 each, or face civil penalties.

The Bill drew unanimous support from members on both sides, although Opposition MP Diallo Rabain questioned why the legislation could not be expanded to include houses, adding: “Why are we stopping just at food establishments?”

Ms Atherden answered that homes did not generate the same volume of grease as commercial properties, and the motion passed soon after.