SF North Beach Restaurant Fails with Dead Mouse and Roaches

Health inspectors discovered disturbing pest infestations and serious food safety violations at Surisan restaurant in North Beach during a routine inspection on September 15, 2025. The inspection revealed a dead rodent caught on an adhesive board between an oven and wall, along with three dead cockroaches and possible cockroach droppings behind equipment. Located at 505 Beach Street near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, the restaurant failed its health inspection with four violations, including three critical infractions that pose immediate health risks to diners. Inspector Michael Mooney documented the pest control issues during the 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM inspection, noting that while the contaminated areas were cleaned and sanitized during his visit, the presence of rodents and cockroaches indicates ongoing infestation problems.

Health Violations Found

The most alarming discovery involved pest control violations that create serious health hazards for customers. Inspectors found the dead rodent trapped on a glue board in a narrow space between kitchen equipment, while three dead cockroaches were scattered throughout the food preparation area. Additional evidence of cockroach activity was observed on an electrical plug behind the dishwashing machine, suggesting the infestation extends beyond the immediate discovery sites. Temperature violations compounded the food safety concerns, with the prep top refrigerator closest to the pass-through window holding potentially hazardous foods at dangerous temperatures. Sliced tomatoes measured 43.7°F, kimchi reached 43.9°F, and sauce registered 44°F - all above the required maximum of 41°F for safe food storage. The chef claimed these items hadn't been stored overnight, and the thermostat was adjusted during the inspection. Inspectors also discovered household insect spray stored inappropriately on an unused oven, violating regulations requiring only licensed pest control professionals to handle chemical treatments in food service establishments. This improper storage of toxic substances near food preparation areas creates additional contamination risks for diners.

Facility Management Issues

Beyond the pest and temperature problems, inspectors cited violations related to employee practices and facility maintenance. Staff personal items, including an employee meal and partially filled water bottle, were stored in food preparation and refrigeration areas designed exclusively for restaurant operations. These practices increase contamination risks and violate health code requirements for maintaining sanitary food service environments. The inspection revealed makeshift pest control efforts, including boards and expanding foam used to cover gaps near the oven where the dead rodent was discovered. While these temporary measures show awareness of the problem, inspectors recommended professional rodent-proofing solutions and additional insect monitoring to ensure the facility becomes pest-free.

Health Implications for Customers

The combination of pest infestations and temperature violations creates multiple pathways for foodborne illness transmission. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus, while cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. Food stored at improper temperatures allows rapid bacterial growth, particularly dangerous for ready-to-eat items like the sliced tomatoes and prepared sauces found above safe holding temperatures.

Restaurant Response Required

Surisan must address all violations before reopening safely for public dining. The restaurant was not immediately closed, but must implement professional pest control services, repair facility gaps that allow rodent entry, establish proper employee storage areas, and ensure consistent refrigeration temperature monitoring. This marks the restaurant's first documented inspection in the city database, making the multiple critical violations particularly concerning for a new establishment in the popular North Beach dining district. The failed inspection highlights the importance of rigorous food safety protocols in San Francisco's competitive restaurant scene, where diners expect both quality cuisine and safe food handling practices from establishments throughout the city.