Food Facilities

The Food Service Establishment (FSE) Inspection program provides the City, through the FOG ordinance, with the authority to inspect and monitor the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Using BMPs will reduce the likelihood of a Sewage System Overflow (SSO).

Illustration of a typical SSO entering a storm drain

Restaurants are inspected on a two tiered inspection schedule. FSEs with grease removal devices such as hydro-mechanical interceptors (grease traps) or gravity interceptors (grease interceptors) are inspected once a year and FSEs without any grease removal devices are inspected at least twice a year. New FSEs that produce FOG through the cooking, processing, or rendering of beef, poultry, or fish are required to install an inline grease removal device such as a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor or a gravity grease interceptor. See Municipal Code section 14.56 for requirements and guidelines.

Drain screens, a required BMP, is used to prevent food particles from building up in pipes and causing clogs

What can I do in the event of a sewer system overflow?

Stop all activities, especially food preparation, and contain the spill immediately
Prevent the overflow from entering gutters, sidewalks, roadways, and especially storm drains
Contact the Orange County 24-Hour Water Pollution Hotline at (714) 567-6363 in the event of an SSO that leaves your property
Report all SSOs to the Huntington Beach Utilities Division at (714) 536-5921

For information on handling SSOs, visit:
Orange County Food Safety Sanitation Manual or CalFOG Guidelines

Restaurant BMP guidelines and informational documents:

Control of Fats, Oils, & Grease Ordinance
Training Manual, (Spanish Version, Manual de Entrenamiento)
Training Manual Attachments

Fog Program Training Videos

Did you know?

The Huntington Beach Fire Department charges for emergency medical services and ambulance transportation. However, residents can join the FireMed Program and protect their out-of-pocket costs! Read more about the FireMed Program.