Operating a seafood restaurant in New Orleans is a culinary venture rich with tradition, flavor, and responsibility. Among the various aspects of managing such an establishment, one critical component often overlooked is grease trap maintenance. Grease traps are essential in preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering and clogging the city’s sewer system. For seafood restaurants, especially those using deep fryers and other oil-heavy cooking methods, this maintenance becomes even more crucial. New Orleans, with its vibrant seafood scene, has strict environmental and health codes that mandate commercial kitchens maintain their grease traps. Ignoring these regulations not only risks... View Article
In the bustling world of commercial kitchens, everything from speed to safety is prioritized. However, there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked until it becomes a costly problem: grease trap maintenance. When functioning properly, grease traps keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the wastewater system. But when they overflow, it can lead to serious issues including shutdowns, health code violations, and expensive emergency interventions. Understanding grease trap overflow causes and how to prevent them is crucial for every restaurant operation, especially in busy culinary regions like Louisiana. The Mechanics Behind Grease Trap Overflows Grease traps are deceptively simple... View Article
Louisiana is no stranger to water. Known for its wetlands, bayous, and frequent downpours, the state experiences some of the highest annual rainfall in the country. While this natural abundance contributes to Louisiana’s unique environment, it also poses significant challenges for commercial kitchens, especially when it comes to grease trap flooding. During the rainy season, a surge in stormwater and overwhelmed sewer systems can lead to serious issues such as grease backup. For restaurants and foodservice operations in places like New Orleans, understanding the causes and prevention methods is critical to avoiding costly damage and disruption. The Link Between Rainfall... View Article
In the foodservice industry, cleanliness and proper waste management are non-negotiable priorities, and among the most scrutinized components during a health inspection is your grease trap system. Designed to intercept fats, oils, and grease (commonly known as FOG) before they enter the wastewater system, grease traps are vital for maintaining hygiene, meeting regulatory compliance, and protecting the environment. Health inspectors have a detailed checklist when evaluating these systems, and understanding what they look for can help restaurants, cafeterias, and commercial kitchens avoid costly penalties or shutdowns. This blog explores what health inspectors typically evaluate in a grease trap system, how... View Article
If you own or manage a commercial kitchen, restaurant, or food processing facility, you already know the essential role a grease trap plays in your plumbing system. Grease traps are designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (often abbreviated as FOG) before they enter the wastewater system and cause expensive and disruptive plumbing issues. While these devices are built to be durable and effective, they are not maintenance-free. Ignoring your grease trap until there’s a problem can lead to health code violations, environmental damage, or even shutdowns. Regular grease trap cleaning and inspection are critical, but how do you know... View Article