A FATBERG compiled of cooking oil, grease and wet wipes has lead to a campaign changing labelling on packaging.

The 'Fine to Flush' logo will now appear on wet wipes which have passed 'rigorous' testing allowing them to be broken down in sewers.

Thames Water has found that many wet wipes which are labelled as flushable, are being flushed down toilets contributing to giant fatbergs developing underground, which are expensive to clear and have a devastating impact on the environment.

Henry Badman at Thames Water said: "Each year we clear 75,000 blockages and wet wipes are a major contributing factor.

"The 'Fine to Flush' standard is great news that will help consumers understand what can be flushed and what must be put in the bin. If there is no logo, then only the three Ps should be put down the toilet - pee, poo and paper."

The standard has been developed by industry body water UK which has worked with other companies including Thames Water and includes subjecting wipes to the same conditions which would be found if they were flushed.

Wet wipes sold in the UK contain plastic to hold them together but those who meet the new Fine to Flush standards must be plastic free so they can break down.

Michael Roberts, Water UK chief executive said: "This is an important step in the battle against blockages. We've all seen the impact of fatbergs recently, and we want to see fewer of them.

"Improving the environment is at the core of what the water industry does and the new Fine to Flush standard that we have created will make it easier for consumer to buy an environmentally-friendly prodict instead of one which clogs up drains and sewers."

Within a 2025 business plan, Thames Water hope to reduce the number of blockages it deals with in its thousands.