SF Boudin Operating Properties Closed:
Live Cockroaches Found

Boudin Operating Properties, the well-known bakery at 160 Jefferson Street in North Beach, was forced to close immediately after health inspectors discovered live cockroaches crawling throughout the kitchen during a follow-up inspection on August 26, 2025. The San Francisco Department of Public Health found approximately four live cockroaches on adhesive boards under a coffee machine in the corner of the downstairs service line, with additional dead cockroaches discovered in nearby areas. Inspector Michael Mooney documented the pest infestation as one of seven total violations cited during this inspection, including three critical violations that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Health Violations Found

Beyond the cockroach infestation, inspectors uncovered multiple serious food safety violations that threatened public health. Staff were observed storing milk containers directly in a handwashing sink at the espresso bar, completely blocking access to critical sanitation facilities. This violation prevents employees from properly washing their hands, creating a direct pathway for contamination to spread to food and customers. The facility also failed to maintain proper food temperatures, with stock found cooling in an ice bath at a dangerous 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Food held above 41 degrees enters the temperature danger zone where bacteria multiply rapidly, potentially causing severe foodborne illness. Inspectors provided cooling guides in both English and Spanish, emphasizing the serious nature of this temperature violation. Raw shellfish storage presented another critical risk, with oysters improperly stored without perforated pans, creating standing water conditions that can harbor dangerous bacteria. The facility's plumbing systems also failed inspection, with a white PVC pipe terminating below the rim of a floor sink, creating potential for sewage backup and cross-contamination.

Cockroach Infestation Details

The cockroach discovery represents a serious public health threat, as these pests carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. Cockroaches contaminate food surfaces through their droppings and shed skin, spreading pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. The insects were found directly in food service areas where customers' orders were being prepared. Health officials noted that cleaning and sanitizing of affected areas was initiated during the inspection, but the extent of the infestation required immediate closure to protect public safety. The facility was advised to continue working with licensed pest control services to eliminate the vermin problem completely.

Previous Inspection History

This appears to be the facility's first recorded health inspection in the current database, making the severity of violations particularly concerning. The lack of inspection history suggests potential gaps in routine monitoring that may have allowed these serious violations to develop unchecked. The bakery, operated by Fisherman's Wharf Pier Bread Bakers and contactable at (714) 264-4795, must address all violations before reopening. Located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, the popular tourist destination serves both locals and visitors in one of San Francisco's busiest dining districts. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent food safety practices, particularly in high-volume establishments serving the public. Customers who recently dined at the facility and experience symptoms of foodborne illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.