Mehfil Indian Cuisine, a popular Indian restaurant in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, failed its routine health inspection on October 2, 2025, after inspectors discovered widespread evidence of rodent infestation throughout the establishment's food storage areas.
The most alarming violation uncovered during this inspection involved mouse droppings found directly on top of a bag of flour used for food preparation, as well as scattered across basement floors under shelving units and in corners. This major violation of California Health Code Section 114259 poses serious health risks to diners, as mice can carry dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus.
Rodent Infestation Details
Inspector Patrick Wood documented extensive evidence of mice activity in the restaurant's basement storage area, where food items are kept. The inspection report reveals that mouse feces were not only found on food storage bags but also littered the floors throughout the storage facility. This violation earned the restaurant a major citation under the "No Insects, Rodents, Birds or Non-Service Animals" health code requirement. The inspection findings are particularly concerning given that the restaurant's most recent pest control report, dated June 2, 2025, made no mention of rodent activity or treatment. While the establishment provided evidence of a pest control service visit on September 19, 2025, no corresponding service report was available to verify what actions were taken. The health department has mandated that Mehfil Indian Cuisine immediately contract with a licensed pest management professional to eliminate the rodent problem from the premises. The restaurant must follow all recommendations provided by the pest control professional and submit the service report to Inspector Wood via email at patrick.wood@sfdph.org.Additional Violations
Beyond the rodent infestation, inspectors cited the restaurant for equipment maintenance issues, specifically requiring the establishment to clean the fan grate in their walk-in refrigeration unit. This minor violation highlights the importance of maintaining proper sanitation standards in all areas where food is stored and prepared. The inspection also noted that while the ventilation hood appeared to be functioning properly, no service receipts were available to document maintenance dates. The restaurant was advised to ensure regular servicing and documentation of their ventilation systems.Location and Impact
Located at 88 2nd Street near the Powell St BART/Muni station, Mehfil Indian Cuisine serves a busy area frequented by commuters and local residents. The restaurant's failure comes as a significant concern for the Tenderloin dining scene, where food safety standards are crucial for public health. The establishment received a conditional pass during a follow-up reinspection on October 16, 2025, suggesting that corrective measures were taken to address the violations. However, the initial failure highlights serious gaps in the restaurant's pest control and food safety protocols.Health Implications
Mouse droppings pose severe health risks, with each mouse producing up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous bacteria and viruses. The presence of rodent waste on food storage materials creates direct contamination pathways that can lead to foodborne illnesses among customers. The inspection was conducted by Inspector Patrick Wood, who can be reached at (415) 252-3915 or patrick.wood@sfdph.org for questions about the violations and required corrective actions. *Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections*📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mehfil indian cuisine |
| Address | |
| District | Tenderloin |
| Inspection Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |