SF Market Fails with Dead Rodents, Poison Near Food Items

Health inspectors discovered a disturbing scene at Cool Guys Market in San Francisco's Excelsior district on September 12, finding dead rodents on glue traps behind refrigeration units and uncontainerized poison scattered throughout food storage areas. The routine inspection resulted in a failing grade with nine total violations, including two critical infractions that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Health Violations Discovered

The most alarming discovery involved a desiccated rodent corpse found on a glue trap positioned directly behind refrigeration units in the store's rear section. Inspectors also documented old rodent droppings scattered near cases of water stored on the ground, creating a contaminated environment where food products were being sold to unsuspecting customers. Adding to the health hazards, inspectors found glue traps containing uncontainerized poison placed throughout the sales floor and back storage areas - a violation that required immediate correction as the toxic substances posed direct contamination risks to food items. The inspector ordered all poison near food to be discarded immediately and mandated that the establishment hire licensed pest control operators for any future pesticide applications.

Temperature and Food Safety Violations

Beyond the rodent infestation, inspectors uncovered dangerous temperature violations that put customers at risk of foodborne illness. Two samosas containing potatoes and peas, previously cooked at 9:00 AM, were found measuring just 73 degrees Fahrenheit in a hot holding unit that was not functioning - approximately five hours after cooking. The inspector ordered the potentially contaminated food to be voluntarily discarded on site. Perhaps most concerning was the discovery of homemade food items including chicken curry and rice, along with Rajmal Daal kidney bean soup and potato salad. The person in charge admitted to cooking these items at home and transporting them to the facility for sale - a practice that violates health codes and creates uncontrollable contamination risks. All homemade food was immediately removed from sale.

Sanitation and Storage Issues

The inspection revealed systematic sanitation problems throughout the 845 Holloway Avenue establishment. Food items were found stored directly on the ground in multiple locations including the sales floor, outside the beer walk-in cooler, and in back storage areas where cases of drinks and beer bottles were placed underneath sinks. Handwashing violations compounded the health risks, with the person in charge observed using a two-compartment sink for hand washing instead of the designated handwashing sink. Additionally, bar soap was provided in the bathroom handwashing sink alongside liquid soap, creating potential cross-contamination issues.

Medication and Chemical Storage Problems

Inspectors documented improper storage of medicines on food preparation tables next to ice cream serving areas, along with wiping cloths stored on counters next to hot plates. These violations demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding about food safety protocols and contamination prevention.

Path to Compliance

The market's location near Balboa Park BART serves a busy commuter population in the Excelsior neighborhood. Following the failed inspection, the establishment was required to correct all violations and schedule a reinspection. Records show Cool Guys Market successfully passed a reinspection on September 30, 2025, indicating that management took the necessary steps to address the serious health code violations and implement proper food safety protocols. This inspection highlights the critical importance of regular health inspections in protecting public health and ensuring food establishments maintain basic sanitation standards that customers have the right to expect.