Coffee Bodega Fails Reinspection with Mouse Droppings in SOMA

Coffee Bodega in SOMA failed its reinspection on September 11, proving that some restaurants simply refuse to take health violations seriously. Just one week after failing its initial inspection for the exact same rodent problems, inspectors returned to find mouse droppings still contaminating the storage areas where food supplies are kept. The cafe at 50 Fremont Street, conveniently located near Montgomery St BART, demonstrated a troubling pattern of ignoring critical health violations that put customers at serious risk. During this inspection, health inspector Patrick Wood discovered dried mouse feces underneath the storage room door in the back area, the same location where violations were cited during the previous inspection on September 4.

Repeat Violations Raise Serious Concerns

The fact that Coffee Bodega failed to address rodent contamination after receiving explicit warnings demonstrates a concerning disregard for food safety protocols. Mouse droppings present severe health hazards to anyone consuming food or beverages prepared in contaminated environments. Mice produce an average of 50 droppings daily, each potentially containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus that can cause severe illness or death in humans. Inspector Wood found the same critical violations that prompted the initial failed inspection: dried mouse feces in food storage areas and inadequate pest control measures. The inspector's report specifically noted that wooden frames and other materials providing rodent harborage were still present along walls, creating perfect breeding grounds for continued infestation. The reinspection lasted only 25 minutes, from 3:50 PM to 4:15 PM, suggesting inspectors quickly identified the ongoing problems. Both violations cited were marked as corrected on site, but the damage to the establishment's credibility was already done. Customers who visited Coffee Bodega between the two failed inspections unknowingly consumed food and drinks prepared in an environment where rodents had free access to storage areas.

Health Implications for SOMA Diners

The SOMA business district relies heavily on quick dining options for its workforce, making Coffee Bodega's violations particularly concerning for the thousands of office workers who frequent the area daily. The contaminated storage areas where coffee supplies, pastries, and other food items are kept represent a direct pathway for disease transmission to unsuspecting customers. Rodent droppings can contaminate surfaces and food products through direct contact or airborne particles that settle on preparation areas. Even after the visible droppings were cleaned during the reinspection, the underlying pest control problems that allowed the infestation to persist remain a serious concern for future food safety.

Inspector's Response and Required Actions

Inspector Patrick Wood's report mandated immediate cleaning and sanitization of all areas affected by rodent contamination. The establishment was ordered to contract with a licensed pest management professional if any new evidence of rodent activity appears. Additionally, Coffee Bodega must remove all unused items and materials that provide potential nesting sites for mice and other pests. The restaurant remains open despite failing two consecutive inspections, though customers should be aware of the ongoing pest control issues. The California Retail Food Code violations cited under Section 114259 carry serious penalties for establishments that continue to operate with inadequate sanitation measures. Coffee Bodega's repeated failures highlight the importance of consistent health inspections in protecting public health throughout San Francisco's busy commercial districts.