Rules on disposing of grease from commercial kitchens have been restated in the wake of sewage balls washing up on Bermuda’s beaches.

The joint statement from the Department of Health and City of Hamilton council reminds food businesses of the regulations designed to ensure kitchen waste does not mix with sewage to form “greaseballs.”

Restaurants are required to install a grease interceptor, which must be away from food handling areas, to remove oil and fat from waste water, preventing it from getting into the sewerage system.

Failure to stick to the rules can result not only in blighted beaches, but backups in the sewage system if pipes become clogged with grease.

Operators are also required to keep the grease traps — which must be approved by the City Engineer — in a clean condition and free of solid materials and must keep a written record of inspection and maintenance covering a three-year period.

Commercial food operations are also required to install grease traps, often under-the-sink units, in waste lines leading from sinks, drains and other equipment where grease could be introduced to the sewerage system.

Grease traps also have to be regularly cleaned and maintained.

The statement added food waste disposal units should not be connected to the sewer and that connecting dishwashers needed approval from the City Engineer.