All commercial kitchens must be fitted with approved grease traps as of September 2017, the Ministry of Health and Seniors has announced.

The policy will intercept the fats, oils and grease that have led in the past to “greaseballs” washing ashore from sewage disposal at sea.

The policy has been in effect since 2014 for establishments in the City of Hamilton, but will be extended across the island.

Occasional greaseballs have drawn bad press for South Shore beaches. Health minister Jeanne Atherden said the clogging of sewerage systems by grease deposits had also been a longstanding issue.

Grease traps will be subject to inspections, with users keeping a written record of maintenance over a three-year period.