Towards a risk ranking for improved management of fats, oils and greases (FOG) discharges from food outlets

Date

2023-03-01

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

2616-6518

Volume Title

Publisher

IWA

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

The understanding of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) pathways in commercial kitchens is relatively poor. In this contribution, we extend our understanding of how FOG is perceived and managed by those working within food service establishments (FSEs). A questionnaire (n = 107) exposes awareness of and experiences with FOG and characterises two important behaviours: kitchen appliance cleaning regimes and waste management practices. Findings demonstrate that awareness of issues caused by FOG in sewer networks is independent of job role or position and that a majority of respondents (74%) are acquainted with the impacts of poor FOG management. Application of a risk ranking approach revealed a low risk of emissions from waste frying oils and exposed behaviours which can serve to reduce FOG emission potential including pre-rinsing of plates and cleaning of fryers and extraction hoods. Critically, 69% of FSEs had no means of managing their FOG emissions. We conclude that sampled FSEs were generally unaware of the relative contribution of FOG sources, thereby limiting their ability to respond to the behavioural and technological options available for minimising its impact. The risk ranking developed in this paper could be used to suggest efforts to reduce and mitigate FOG emissions from FSEs.

Description

open access article

Keywords

FOG, Risk, Sewer deposits, Food service establishments

Citation

Collin, T., Cermakova, A., Cunningham, R., MacAdam, J., Villa, R., Jeffrey, P. and Jefferson, B. (2023) Towards a risk ranking for improved management of fats, oils and greases (FOG) discharges from food outlets. H2Open Journal, 6 (1), pp. 29-39

Rights

Research Institute