Pica Pica Latin Restaurant Fails with Food Contamination

Pica Pica, the Latin American restaurant located at 401 Valencia Street in SOMA, failed its routine health inspection on October 2, 2025, after inspectors discovered multiple serious food safety violations that put customers at risk of foodborne illness. The inspection, conducted between 12:20 PM and 1:30 PM, revealed nine total violations including four major infractions that created dangerous contamination conditions. The most alarming discovery involved improper food storage practices that could expose diners to dangerous bacteria. Inspectors found open containers of food requiring refrigeration stored on shelving, creating perfect conditions for bacterial growth and cross-contamination. This violation poses serious health risks, as improperly stored food can harbor Salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens that cause severe foodborne illness.

Dangerous Temperature Conditions

Perhaps most concerning was the discovery of a dangerously hot kitchen environment with ambient temperatures reaching 94 degrees Fahrenheit in the downstairs area. The ventilation system was found to be inadequate, with vents failing to supply cool air to maintain safe food preparation conditions. At these elevated temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly, turning the kitchen into a breeding ground for food contamination. Health officials also discovered serious issues with the restaurant's drainage system, finding meat drippings and food waste improperly disposed of down prep sinks and floor sinks. The floor sink was completely clogged, creating unsanitary conditions that could attract rodents and insects while allowing harmful bacteria to flourish.

Contaminated Cleaning Practices

Inspectors identified dangerous cleaning practices that spread contamination throughout the kitchen. Used wiping cloths were stored directly on cooking equipment instead of being kept in required sanitizer solution between uses. This violation is particularly serious because contaminated cloths can spread millions of bacteria across food preparation surfaces, potentially transferring pathogens from raw meat to ready-to-eat foods. The inspection also revealed handwashing stations at both the cook line and restroom lacked paper towels, though this violation was corrected on-site. Food debris had accumulated on equipment handles and walls near the three-compartment sink downstairs, creating additional sanitation concerns.

Equipment and Infrastructure Problems

Structural issues compounded the sanitation problems, with stainless steel shelving above the prep sink separating from the wall, requiring immediate securing. The dishwasher door interior still had protective film that needed removal, while food debris and residue had accumulated on walls throughout the kitchen area.

Restaurant Response and Next Steps

Inspector Tiombe Wiley noted that the restaurant owner was addressing the ventilation issue during this inspection. The facility also improved with vermin proofing measures, suggesting previous pest concerns. Despite the serious violations, the restaurant was not ordered closed and no reopening was required, though all violations must be corrected to maintain operating status. This marks the first recorded inspection for the Latin American establishment near Civic Center BART, making it impossible to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. The restaurant can be reached at (415) 863-2351 for questions about remediation efforts. Customers who dined at Pica Pica around the inspection date should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if concerns arise.