SF Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass Despite Cat Living in Store

Jing Ye Co Inc received a conditional pass during a reinspection on September 3, 2025, after health inspector Michael Mooney discovered a cat living inside the North Beach market and identified food protection violations that require correction. The establishment at 1254 Stockton Street can continue operating while addressing the minor violations found during this inspection, which lasted from 4:20 PM to 4:35 PM. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to remain open to customers while implementing necessary changes to achieve full compliance.

Inspection Details

The most significant issue discovered during the inspection was a cat observed living inside the market, which violates California Retail Food Code Section 114259. Inspector Mooney noted that cats are not permitted to live in food service establishments due to health and safety concerns. The restaurant must remove the animal to maintain proper sanitation standards. Additionally, the inspector found dried turkey being sold as self-serve without proper protection from contamination. This violation of Section 113986 requires the establishment to bag the product to prevent cross-contamination risks. Food separation and protection protocols are critical for preventing foodborne illnesses that can affect customer health. A third minor violation involved an expired license certificate that had lapsed on June 30, 2025. The restaurant must obtain and display a current copy on site to maintain regulatory compliance.

Food Safety Requirements

The presence of animals in food service areas poses significant health risks, as pets can carry bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that contaminate food surfaces and products. The California Department of Public Health strictly prohibits non-service animals in food establishments to protect public health. Cross-contamination from improperly stored food items like the dried turkey creates additional risks. Without protective barriers, products can be exposed to airborne contaminants, customer handling, and environmental pollutants that compromise food safety standards.

Restaurant History

Located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line in the heart of North Beach, Jing Ye Co Inc serves the diverse community along Stockton Street. The establishment has undergone multiple inspections as part of the city's ongoing food safety monitoring program. Previous inspection records show this was a reinspection, indicating the restaurant had been working to address earlier compliance issues. The conditional pass demonstrates progress toward full compliance while identifying remaining areas for improvement.

Next Steps

The restaurant must address all cited violations promptly to achieve a full passing grade on the next inspection. This includes removing the cat from the premises, implementing proper food protection measures for self-serve items, and displaying current licensing documentation. Customers can continue dining at the establishment with confidence that the identified issues are minor and correctable. The conditional pass status ensures the restaurant maintains basic food safety standards while working toward complete compliance. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that all violations have been properly addressed. Restaurant operators have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to food safety excellence through prompt corrective action on the identified issues.