When an environmental health officer (EHO) from the local council inspects a food business, they look at how food is handled, stored and prepared, and at the condition and cleanliness of the premises. The kitchen extract is part of that. A greasy canopy dripping onto the range or filters clogged with old fat won’t go unnoticed. This guide explains where extraction fits into an inspection and what you can do to be ready.
What EHOs inspect
Local authority EHOs inspect food businesses to check they’re following food hygiene law. Under the Food Safety Act 1990 and food hygiene rules, they look at how hygienically food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of the premises and equipment, and how the business manages food safety. Inspections can be planned or follow a complaint, and officers don’t usually give notice, so the kitchen needs to be in good order every day. The result feeds into the business’s food hygiene rating, which customers can look up on the Food Standards Agency food hygiene ratings site.
Where the extract comes in
The extract is part of the kitchen’s structure and equipment. During an inspection, an EHO may notice:
- grease dripping from the canopy or filters onto cooking surfaces or food
- heavy grease on the canopy, light fittings or nearby walls and ceiling
- filters that are missing, damaged or clogged
- poor ventilation, with heat, steam and condensation building up
- condensation dripping from ductwork or the canopy
Any of these can count against the cleanliness and condition of the premises. Good ventilation also matters for staff comfort and for keeping condensation and mould under control.
The officer is likely to look up as well as around. Canopies, light covers and ceilings above the cooking line are easy for staff to miss during a busy week, but they’re in plain view to anyone standing at the pass.
Need it done? Duct Doctor cleans and tests kitchen extract and ventilation systems across London and the South East, with a certificate and photo report after every clean. Get a fixed quote.
Fire safety is a separate matter
EHOs are concerned with food hygiene. Fire risk from grease in the ductwork is mainly a matter for the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order 2005, and for fire and rescue services and insurers. But a clean extract helps with both. If the canopy is spotless and you can show a recent TR19® certificate, you’re in a strong position whoever asks. See is TR19 a legal requirement?
How to be ready for an inspection
- Clean filters on a set schedule and log it. See our grease filter guide.
- Wipe the canopy daily and empty grease channels.
- Book full system cleans at the interval on your last certificate.
- Deep clean the kitchen regularly: walls, floors, ceilings and behind equipment. A commercial kitchen deep clean pairs well with an extract clean.
- Check the grease trap is emptied, so drains don’t back up or smell. See grease traps explained.
- Keep paperwork handy: cleaning schedules, certificates and reports in one place.
After a poor inspection
If an EHO raises the extract or kitchen cleanliness, act quickly and keep a record of what you did. A full clean with a certificate and before-and-after photos is clear evidence that the issue has been dealt with. Duct Doctor works evenings, overnight and weekends across London and the South East, so a clean can usually be fitted in without closing. Every clean comes with a TR19® certificate and photo report. Get in touch for a fixed quote.
Quick answers
Do EHOs check for a TR19 certificate?
Their focus is food hygiene, but a certificate and clean canopy show the extract is maintained.
Can a dirty canopy affect our hygiene rating?
It can count against the cleanliness and condition of the premises, which is part of the rating.
Where can customers see our rating?
On the Food Standards Agency food hygiene ratings website.
Related services
- Kitchen extract cleaning
- Canopy and hood cleaning
- Commercial kitchen deep cleaning
- Grease filter exchange
More advice
- Is TR19 a Legal Requirement? What the Law Says
- Signs Your Kitchen Extract Needs Cleaning
- Grease Filter Cleaning: How Often and How
- Restaurant Kitchen Extract Cleaning: A Guide
- All advice
This guide is general information. It isn’t legal or insurance advice: check your own policy wording and lease, and speak to a qualified adviser about your fire risk assessment.