New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What is the purpose of a grease interceptor?

1. To separate grease from wastewater

2. To store grease for recycling

3. To dispose of hazardous waste

4. To clean sewage

The correct answer is: To separate grease from wastewater

The primary purpose of a grease interceptor is to separate grease from wastewater before it enters the plumbing system. This is crucial in food service establishments, where oils and fats are commonly used in cooking. When grease enters the sewer system, it can cause blockages and contribute to sewer overflows, leading to significant environmental and public health issues. By using a grease interceptor, the heavy grease settles in the interceptor while the water continues to flow through, thereby preventing grease from contaminating the wastewater. This separation helps maintain the integrity of the plumbing systems and ensures compliance with health regulations aimed at preventing grease-related problems. The other options focus on different functionalities that do not align with the primary role of a grease interceptor. For instance, storing grease for recycling is a separate process that occurs after separation, not a function of the interceptor itself. Similarly, disposing of hazardous waste and cleaning sewage are tasks related to waste management but are not the intended function of a grease interceptor.