Existing Food Service Establishments (FSE)

Once an establishment is issued a permit from the Board of Health to operate an FSE, they are now an existing FSE.

If at any time an existing FSE decides to renovate the establishment, change menu, or change ownership, all of the permitting requirements for a new food service establishment apply, triggering review and possible upgrade requirements for the Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) system, along with other items.

Every year, existing FSEs are required to renew the permit to operate an FSE and the renewal application asks to verify that no changes have been made. View more information about renewal of an FSE permit.

All existing commercial establishments that contribute and/or have the ability to contribute FOG to the municipal sewer must provide secondary containment for FOG by August 1, 2012. Secondary containment is an additional grease trap/interceptor/Automatic Grease Recovery Unit/ or other approved technology installed and adequately sized to manage the entire flow from the FOG source. New FSEs, existing establishments being renovated, or establishments changing ownership will need to install a secondary containment unit prior to opening.

All FSEs in the City of Taunton are required to follow best management practices with FOG under the FOG Control Program. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Wipe clean all kitchenware before washing in the sink
  • Proper handling and disposal of all food scraps
  • Maintaining all grease traps and interceptors and keeping them in good working order

For a list of all the FOG maintenance requirements under the Taunton FOG Control Program including pump/cleaning frequencies of grease traps/interceptors. Read the Taunton Board of Health FOG Maintenance Regulations (PDF).

Maintenance logs or invoices must be kept for all grease traps and interceptors. Find a copy of a FOG Maintenance Log Sheet (PDF). At the time of inspection if the Septic Hauler finds that the external grease trap does not need to be pumped due to low levels of solids and FOG this calculation must be noted on the invoice or the Taunton Grease Trap Inspection Form (PDF) must be used. These logs and/or invoices must be submitted two times a year (July 15th and January 15th) to the Taunton Board of Health at:
Kevin M. Duquette
FOG Enforcement Agent
Taunton Board of Health
45 School Street
Taunton, MA 02780

Automatic Grease Recovery Units and other FOG Interceptor technologies approved by the Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters are allowed for installation on City projects on a case by case basis at the discretion of the City. Look up plumbing products to see if they are approved. These units must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications in the Operations and Maintenance Manuals unless otherwise specified by the City of Taunton.

The following maintenance information and log sheet/s are for the FOG interceptor technologies that are currently being used in the City of Taunton:

All FSEs will have routine FOG inceptions conducted by the FOG Enforcement Officer.

All food service managers will be given FOG training administered by the FOG Enforcement Officer. This training coarse will need a refresher training every three years. The food service manager is then responsible to train all FSE staff on the management of FOG and must keep a training log sheet (PDF) for all staff showing proof of attendance. 

All FSEs are required to have a FOG sign placed at every sink grease interceptor. The requirements for the sign are under the plumbing code 248 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 10.09 (2m) (3).

A laminated sign shall be stenciled on or in the immediate area of the grease trap or interceptor in letters one-inch high. The sign shall state the following in exact language:

Important: This grease trap/interceptor shall be inspected and thoroughly cleaned on a regular and frequent basis. Failure to do so could result in damage to the piping system, and the municipal or private drainage system(s).

All FSEs are required to inspect and clean kitchen hoods in accordance with the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations 527 CMR 11. Inspection and cleaning documentation and invoices must be kept on file for review at any time by the City of Taunton.

To find out the cleaning and inspection frequency for your establishment. View 527 CMR 11 and refer to table 11.4 (PDF).

It is the responsibility of the establishment owner to ensure that all wastes generated from kitchen hood cleanings are disposed of in the proper manner by a licensed waste hauler with manifests.