Hidden Dangers in Your Kitchen Ducts: The Food Hygiene Risks You Can’t See

May 15

2 min read

0

3

0

In care homes, schools, hospitals and primary care kitchens, food hygiene compliance is non-negotiable. But while worktops get wiped and floors are mopped, there’s one area that’s often overlooked — your kitchen ductwork.

And that could be what’s silently dragging down your food hygiene rating.

The Problem You Can’t See

Out of sight, out of mind — but kitchen ducts are a major risk to hygiene and safety. Grease, dust, and food particles build up in extraction systems over time, creating the perfect breeding ground for:

Bacteria
Mould spores
Pests
Fire hazards

The result? Contaminated air circulating around food prep areas and increased risk of infestation, illness — and enforcement action during inspections.

What Inspectors Are Looking For

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) now regularly check for signs of poor ventilation hygiene. If your ducting is visibly dirty, smells bad, or hasn’t been cleaned in over 6 months, it could be flagged — and your food hygiene rating could take a hit.

In care settings, this doesn’t just mean lost stars. It means compromised care, reputational damage, and potential intervention by the CQC or local authority.

The Solution: Kitchen Duct Cleaning by Eighty Eight

At Eighty Eight, we help schools, care homes and healthcare providers stay fully compliant with regular, professional kitchen duct cleaning and TR19-compliant reports.

Our service includes:

✅ Full duct and canopy deep clean

✅ Pre- and post-clean photographic evidence

✅ Grease testing and risk scoring

✅ Certification for compliance records

✅ 24/7 availability for minimal disruption

We also support with food hygiene audits, kitchen deep cleans, pest control and HACCP-compliant food safety systems — making us your all-in-one hygiene partner.