Le Marais Bakery Castro in Tenderloin failed its September 16 health inspection after inspectors discovered rodent droppings beside the ice machine and contaminated utensils, along with potentially dangerous temperature violations affecting multiple food items.
The bakery restaurant near Powell St BART received eight total violations during this inspection, including two critical infractions that posed immediate health risks to customers. Inspector Katherine Tuazon found rodent droppings not only beside the ice machine but also underneath metro shelving where clean utensils were stored in the warewash area.
Health Violations Found
The most concerning discovery involved rodent contamination in food preparation areas. Inspectors observed rodent droppings beside the ice machine and on corners underneath metro shelving used for storing utensils in the warewash area. All affected utensils required immediate washing and sanitization, while areas touched by rodent droppings needed thorough cleaning and sanitizing before operations could continue. Compounding the rodent problem, inspectors found a rodent bait block left underneath metro shelving in the basement, creating additional health hazards. The establishment was ordered to immediately discontinue use of the improperly placed poison bait.Dangerous Food Storage Temperatures
Perhaps equally alarming were the severe temperature violations discovered throughout the facility. A prep cooler across from the crepe maker was maintaining only 57°F, well above safe refrigeration temperatures. Multiple potentially hazardous foods stored on wells atop this malfunctioning cooler measured at dangerous temperatures: cut tomatoes at 56°F, shredded chicken at 59°F, cooked onions at 58°F, raw salmon at a shocking 65°F, tuna spread at 61°F, and sliced ham at 58°F. Staff admitted these items had been stored in the temperature danger zone for over four hours. All temperature-abused food was voluntarily discarded during the inspection, while items prepared less than two hours prior were moved to working refrigeration units.Additional Safety Concerns
The inspection revealed multiple handwashing violations, with inspectors finding no paper towels and a non-functioning soap dispenser at the hand sink in the warewash area. This critical violation was corrected on-site when soap and paper towels were provided. Inspectors also discovered improper storage of wiping cloths left on food contact surfaces throughout the facility instead of being stored in sanitizer solution. The establishment was ordered to immediately discontinue this practice, as dirty wiping cloths can spread millions of bacteria across food preparation surfaces.Equipment and Facility Issues
Additional violations included organic growth observed on the sides of the hand sink in the warewash area and a leak in the warewash sink faucet that required repair within 72 hours. Inspectors also found double stacking of uncovered food on top of the prep cooler, creating additional contamination risks.Restaurant Response and Follow-Up
Following the failed inspection, Le Marais Bakery Castro underwent a reinspection on September 25 and received a conditional pass, indicating some violations remained unresolved. The Tenderloin bakery was not closed during this process but required immediate corrective actions. This facility had limited inspection history, making this the second recorded inspection for the establishment. The pattern of violations suggests systemic issues with food safety protocols and equipment maintenance that required comprehensive attention. For Tenderloin residents and visitors near Powell St BART, this inspection highlights the importance of proper food safety oversight in neighborhood dining establishments.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Le marais bakery castro |
| Address | |
| District | Tenderloin |
| Cuisine | Bakery |
| Inspection Date | September 16, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |