compliance
New Orleans Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Food Service
Grease traps are critical to New Orleans food service operations—and the city's aging sewer infrastructure depends on proper maintenance. Failure to maintain grease interceptors can result in citations from the Louisiana Department of Health (DHH), Environmental Quality divisions, and local health inspectors. This checklist helps restaurant operators meet state and municipal requirements while protecting your license.
Louisiana DHH Grease Trap Requirements
Louisiana Department of Health mandates that food service establishments with sinks, prep areas, and dishwashers must install properly sized grease interceptors. The interceptor capacity must be at least 150% of the largest drain size connected to it, and must be accessible for inspection and cleaning. New Orleans additionally requires permits for grease trap installation and annual certification of cleaning by licensed waste disposal companies. All grease interceptors must be inspected during health department visits, and any signs of overflow, leaks, or improper installation can result in violations and potential operational shutdowns.
Monthly & Quarterly Maintenance Checklist
Inspect the grease trap exterior monthly for cracks, corrosion, or standing liquid. Check that the inlet and outlet pipes are clear and properly aligned—blockages force grease into the municipal sewer system. Remove accumulated grease and solids when the trap reaches 25% capacity (do not wait for overflow). Document all cleaning dates and disposal receipts; New Orleans health inspectors will request these records. Schedule professional pump-outs at least quarterly, or more frequently if your operation generates high volumes of fryer oils and meat drippings. Keep a maintenance log visible to staff and ready for inspection.
Common Violations & Inspection Red Flags
Health inspectors cite establishments for grease-lined pipes, foul odors near the trap, and evidence of grease discharge into storm drains. Pouring hot oil or grease directly down sinks (rather than into the trap) is a repeat violation that can trigger fines up to $500+ per incident. Failure to provide proof of professional cleaning or certification is also a major citation—keep receipts from your licensed hauler for at least two years. Incorrectly sized or missing grease traps, missing access covers, and cross-connections between floor drains are immediate compliance failures that require remediation before the next inspection.
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