SF Tenderloin Cafe Fails with Rodents and Dead Cockroaches

The Plant Cafe Organic in San Francisco's Tenderloin district failed its health inspection on September 29, 2025, after inspectors discovered a disturbing scene of rodents, cockroaches, and unsanitary conditions throughout the cafe. The routine inspection conducted by Inspector Montre Tieu revealed dead rodents on glue traps and extensive rodent droppings contaminating areas where food ingredients are stored for customer meals. The most alarming discovery occurred in the front of house cook area, where inspectors found rodent droppings scattered on floors directly beneath refrigeration units holding salad ingredients served to customers. Additional rodent droppings were discovered behind the water heater in the back of house storage area, indicating a widespread infestation problem throughout the facility.

Critical Violations Threaten Customer Safety

Inspectors documented dead rodents on glue traps beneath non-food storage shelves, while also noting the presence of dead cockroaches during this inspection. The facility received two critical violations for pest control failures and premises maintenance issues. Health experts warn that mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and hantavirus, while cockroaches carry 33 different bacteria types and six parasitic worms. The cafe's pest control problems were compounded by equipment and maintenance violations. Inspectors found inadequate filters on the front of house mechanical exhaust hood, with various gaps between filters and grease buildup behind them. This creates an environment conducive to pest harborage and potential fire hazards.

Food Safety Violations Throughout Kitchen

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors discovered numerous food safety violations that put customers at immediate risk. Staff members were observed storing open cans of Coca Cola directly above food items intended for customers in the two-door refrigeration unit. This violation was corrected on site when employees removed and discarded the contaminated beverages. The facility also failed proper wiping cloth protocols, with wet dirty cloths found on food preparation tables where they could spread millions of bacteria across surfaces used for customer food preparation. Dirty wiping cloths used on raw meat can spread dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli throughout kitchen environments.

Inspector Orders Comprehensive Remediation

Inspector Tieu ordered the establishment to continue working with their licensed pest control operator to eliminate the cockroach and rodent infestation. The cafe must clean and sanitize all affected areas with bleach solution and implement ongoing monitoring for vermin activity. All unused equipment must be removed to prevent providing additional harborage for pests. The inspection revealed this was the first documented health inspection for The Plant Cafe Organic, located near the Powell St BART/Muni station. Despite receiving five total violations including two critical, two major, and one minor violation, the facility was not ordered closed. However, the establishment must address all violations before passing a follow-up inspection. The failed inspection raises serious concerns for Tenderloin diners who frequent this cafe expecting safe food handling practices. Customers who recently dined at The Plant Cafe Organic should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness and seek medical attention if experiencing gastrointestinal distress.