Memphis Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Food Service

Memphis Grease Trap Inspection Requirements

The Memphis-Shelby County Health Department requires food service establishments to maintain grease traps and interceptors that meet specifications in the Tennessee Food Code, which aligns with the FDA Food Code. Inspectors verify that traps are properly sized for your facility's flow rate, installed in accessible locations (not under floors or in crawlspaces), and equipped with baffles and strainers. Your facility must have documentation showing the trap's capacity and installation date. Grease traps must be located between the kitchen and the municipal sewer line, and any three-compartment sink drains must flow through the interceptor system before reaching the main line.

Maintenance Schedule & Common Violations

Most Memphis health code violations occur because operators fail to clean grease traps on schedule or allow FOG buildup to exceed 25% of trap capacity. Cleaning frequency depends on your operation's volume—high-volume restaurants typically need service every 2-4 weeks, while smaller facilities may comply with quarterly cleaning. You must keep signed maintenance records from your grease trap service vendor (name, date, amount removed, and signature) available for inspection. Common violations include: grease overflowing into drains, inadequate baffles, lack of maintenance records, undersized traps, and improper disposal of removed grease into storm drains (which violates EPA regulations).

Documentation & Compliance Preparation

Prepare a compliance folder containing: the original installation permit or certificate, trap capacity specifications, current cleaning service contract with proof of regular service, dated service receipts from the past 12 months, and photos showing the trap location and access point. The Memphis-Shelby County Health Department requires this documentation during routine inspections (typically annual for food service) and during complaint investigations. Ensure your staff training logs document FOG disposal training, and post signage at sinks reminding staff not to pour grease down drains. Failure to produce maintenance records is itself a violation, even if cleaning is current.

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