Coffee Bodega Fails Health Inspection with Mouse Droppings

Coffee Bodega in SOMA failed its September 4th health inspection after San Francisco health officials discovered mouse droppings in the back storage area and multiple violations that create harborage conditions for rodents. Inspector Patrick Wood conducted the routine inspection at the cafe located at 50 Fremont Street, near the Montgomery St BART station, and found what he described as "a small amount of dried/old mouse feces underneath the door in back storage area." The discovery led to an immediate failure of this inspection with two critical violations cited.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed serious pest control issues that pose significant health risks to customers. Mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily, each potentially containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus that can cause severe foodborne illness in humans. Beyond the rodent droppings discovery, inspectors found the establishment was improperly storing items that provide harborage for rodents along the walls. The inspector's report specifically noted that Coffee Bodega must "discontinue storing wood frame or other items that provide harborage for rodents along the wall" and "remove any unused items that may provide rodent harborage." The violations fall under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which requires food establishments to maintain premises free of insects, rodents, birds, and other non-service animals. The inspector ordered immediate cleaning and sanitization of all areas affected by the rodent contamination.

Immediate Health Risks

Customers who visited Coffee Bodega before the inspection potentially faced exposure to serious foodborne pathogens. Mouse droppings can contaminate food preparation surfaces, utensils, and ingredients with bacteria that cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The presence of pest activity in food storage areas creates an environment where contamination can spread rapidly throughout the establishment's food supply. The inspector mandated that the cafe "contract with a licensed pest management professional immediately if new evidence is found" and continue monitoring the affected areas for signs of ongoing rodent activity.

Failed Reinspection

The situation at Coffee Bodega became more concerning when the establishment failed its reinspection on September 11th, just one week after the initial failure. The follow-up inspection found the same categories of violations still present, indicating the cafe had not successfully addressed the rodent control issues that led to the original failure. This pattern suggests persistent problems with sanitation protocols and pest management at the SOMA location, raising additional concerns about the establishment's commitment to food safety standards.

SOMA Dining Impact

The failures at Coffee Bodega represent a significant food safety concern in the busy SOMA district, where office workers and residents rely on local cafes for daily meals and beverages. The location's proximity to Montgomery Street BART makes it a popular stop for commuters, potentially exposing a large number of customers to the unsanitary conditions. Coffee Bodega remains open despite the failed inspections, though customers should be aware of the ongoing pest control violations when considering whether to dine at this establishment.