Taj Indian Cuisine Gets Conditional Pass Despite Minor Issues

Taj Indian Cuisine in the Outer Richmond district received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on September 25, allowing the popular Indian restaurant to remain open while addressing minor violations that require correction. The restaurant, located at 5701 Geary Boulevard near the 38 Geary bus line, underwent this inspection from 1:00 PM to 1:10 PM, where inspector Jessica Jang identified two violations that need attention but do not pose immediate health risks requiring closure.

Minor Violations Requiring Correction

The inspection revealed issues primarily related to premises maintenance and vermin proofing. The most significant finding involved ventilation system maintenance, where inspectors observed that ventilation hood baffles had accumulated grease buildup. The restaurant was instructed to clean and degrease the system while working with a professional cleaning service to ensure proper maintenance. Additionally, inspectors discovered a gap in the side of the door leading to the sidewalk that could potentially allow pest entry. The violation notice specifically directed the restaurant to seal the opening and collaborate with their licensed pest control contractor to address all potential entryways, with explicit instructions not to use spray foam for the repair. The inspector's report noted concerns about adequate ventilation and lighting, designated areas, premises maintenance, and personal cleaning items storage, all of which fall under routine operational improvements rather than critical food safety violations.

Conditional Pass Allows Continued Operations

Despite the violations found, the conditional pass designation means Taj Indian Cuisine can continue serving customers while implementing the required corrections. This type of inspection result indicates that while improvements are needed, the issues do not pose immediate risks that would warrant closure or suspension of operations. The restaurant's ability to maintain service during the correction period demonstrates the minor nature of the violations. Conditional passes are typically issued when establishments show good faith efforts to maintain standards but need to address specific operational details that could impact long-term compliance.

Reinspection Context and Next Steps

The September 25 inspection was classified as a reinspection, suggesting the restaurant was working to address previous concerns identified by health officials. This follow-up visit indicates the establishment's commitment to maintaining proper food safety standards and working collaboratively with city inspectors. The violations cited fall under California Retail Food Code Sections 114067 and 114123, which govern premises maintenance and vermin proofing requirements. These regulations are designed to prevent conditions that could harbor pests or create unsanitary environments over time. Restaurant management will need to complete the required repairs and cleaning within the timeframe specified by the health department. A follow-up inspection may be scheduled to verify that all corrections have been properly implemented and that the establishment meets all regulatory requirements.

Community Impact

For residents and visitors in the Outer Richmond neighborhood, the conditional pass means continued access to the restaurant's Indian cuisine offerings. The location's proximity to public transportation makes it a convenient dining option for those traveling along the Geary corridor. The restaurant's proactive approach to addressing the identified issues while maintaining operations reflects standard industry practices for handling minor compliance matters. Customers can expect normal service while the establishment implements the necessary improvements to achieve full compliance with city health regulations.