North Beach Market Fails with Flies, Cat Living in Store

Health inspectors discovered a heavy fly infestation and a cat living inside J & L Vegi Supermarket Inc during a routine inspection on September 4, 2025. The North Beach market at 1215 Stockton Street failed its health inspection with seven violations, including two critical infractions that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Health Violations

The most serious violation involved pest control issues throughout the facility. Inspectors found a heavy fly infestation and observed a cat living in the store, both presenting serious contamination risks to food products. The inspector mandated that the market arrange for professional pest control services at least twice monthly and immediately remove the cat from the premises. Adding to the contamination concerns, inspectors discovered household insecticide stored behind the counter. Health officials required the immediate removal of all residential pest control products, as only licensed pest control operators are permitted to apply toxic substances in commercial food facilities.

Food Safety Failures

Temperature control violations put customers at risk of foodborne illness. Inspectors found meat at the butcher counter measuring 52°F, meat on the sales floor at 54°F, and cut melon reaching a dangerous 64°F. All potentially hazardous items were immediately relocated to proper refrigeration during the inspection. The facility also failed to protect food from contamination. Inspectors observed moldy tofu, rotten potatoes and root vegetables, and various meats and seafood displayed on the sales floor without proper protection. Items including pork skin, frozen fish, chicken feet, exposed cut melon, beef hearts, organ meats, and frozen shrimp were all found stored inadequately.

Sanitation Deficiencies

Handwashing facilities throughout the market failed to meet basic health standards. The restroom hand sink contained toilet paper instead of paper towels, while the hand wash sink at the meat counter lacked paper towels entirely. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in food handling environments to prevent cross-contamination. Standing water in a floor drain near the office created additional sanitation concerns. Health officials required the market to have waste water lines serviced by a licensed plumber and submit a service report to the district inspector.

Inspector Requirements

Inspector Michael Mooney ordered extensive deep cleaning throughout the facility, including the butcher counter, display cases, all refrigeration units, walk-in cooler and freezer, ice machine, and sales floor. The market was also required to declutter and sanitize these areas to meet health standards.

Follow-Up Inspection

The market successfully passed a reinspection on September 23, though minor violations were still noted regarding temperature control and food condition. This pattern suggests ongoing challenges with basic food safety protocols at the 30 Stockton bus accessible location. Located in the heart of North Beach near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, this market serves a busy neighborhood with significant foot traffic from both residents and tourists. The violations found during this inspection highlight the importance of regular health oversight in high-traffic food retail locations. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections