SF Chinese Restaurant Reopens After Rodent and Temperature Fix

Sam Wo Restaurant and Bakery in Chinatown has successfully reopened after passing a critical reinspection that addressed serious health violations including rodent activity and multiple temperature violations throughout the facility. The Chinese restaurant at 713 Clay Street near Montgomery St BART had been facing permit suspension due to imminent health hazards discovered during previous inspections. The August 28th reinspection revealed that management had successfully addressed the violations that posed significant risks to public health and food safety.

Health Violations Successfully Resolved

During the reopening inspection, health officials confirmed that Sam Wo Restaurant and Bakery had eliminated evidence of rodent activity that was previously found in multiple areas of the facility. The restaurant had been dealing with mice in the basement near the office area, under the three-basin sink near the mixer, and in a storage closet under the stairs. Additionally, dead cockroaches had been discovered on adhesive boards in both the ground floor kitchen and basement areas. The facility's refrigeration systems, which had been failing to maintain safe temperatures, were repaired and brought into compliance. Multiple units had been operating dangerously above the required 41-degree threshold, including a prep-top refrigerator holding food at 50 degrees, a glass-door drink refrigerator also at 50 degrees, and a basement refrigerator maintaining temperatures at 46 degrees. These temperature violations had put potentially hazardous foods at risk of bacterial growth and contamination.

Food Safety Improvements

The successful reinspection showed that duck and beef products, which had previously been stored at unsafe temperatures of 45 degrees, were now properly stored in functioning refrigeration units. The restaurant also addressed equipment issues, including repairing hood lights that had not been operational and replacing a missing floor drain cover in the restroom. The facility worked with licensed pest control professionals to ensure complete elimination of vermin and implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols in all affected areas. These improvements were critical for protecting customers from potential exposure to foodborne pathogens carried by rodents and insects.

Chinatown Dining Safety

For diners in Chinatown, the successful reopening of Sam Wo Restaurant and Bakery represents a commitment to food safety standards in one of San Francisco's most popular dining destinations. The restaurant's proactive approach to addressing health violations ensures that customers can once again enjoy Chinese cuisine in a safe environment. The facility's location near Montgomery St BART makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the historic Chinatown district. The restaurant's compliance with health regulations demonstrates the importance of maintaining rigorous food safety standards in high-traffic dining areas.

Previous Inspection History

This inspection marked the facility's return to compliance after addressing the serious health violations that had threatened public safety. The restaurant's management demonstrated their commitment to food safety by working quickly to resolve all identified issues and implementing systems to prevent future problems. The reopening allows the restaurant to resume normal operations while maintaining the enhanced safety protocols established during the remediation process, ensuring continued protection for all customers visiting this Chinatown establishment.