Fatberg Proven Public Health Risk

Fatbergs contain potentially deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria, tests show.

A study by Channel 4 in conjunction with Thames Water has analysed the contents of one supersize fatberg discovered underneath the streets of central London.

The forensic analysis revealed that cooking fat is the biggest contributor to the crisis – nearly 90% of the sample – but also showed a high concentration of prohibited gym supplements and street drugs such as cocaine and MDMA. Fatbergs are part of a growing urban problem across the UK as the sewage infrastructure struggles to cope.

The South Bank mass is thought to be larger than the fatberg discovered under Whitechapel, east London, which weighed the same as 11 double decker buses and stretched the length of two football pitches.

  • Typical items found in the fatberg included condoms, sanitary towels, nappies, cotton buds and wet wipes – as well as many dangerous superbugs.

  • The fatberg contained street and pharmaceutical drugs as well as needles and syringes.

  • There was evidence of hordenine and ostarine which can be found in performance-enhancing sports supplements. Ostarine, used for muscle gain, is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list and is not licensed for medical use in the UK.

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Andy Drinkwater, a civil engineering consultant, said:

“The fat sticks to the side of the pipe, the wet wipes come down and stick to the fat, other fat comes down and sticks to the wet wipes and that adds to the mass of the fatberg,”

The tests showed some wet wipes, including some brands labelled as flushable, are unable to disintegrate in a sewer.

Are you compliant? If you’re discharging FOGs to the sewer you are liable to fines and prosecution. Contact us for a free, no obligation survey to see where you stand. You can read more about FOG management here or search our FAQs.

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