SOMA Sushi Restaurant Fails Reinspection with Insect Droppings

A SOMA Japanese restaurant that received warnings just over a week ago has failed its follow-up health inspection, with inspectors discovering ongoing violations including insect droppings behind food preparation equipment and continued use of inappropriate commercial equipment. Eat Sushi at 1516 Folsom Street failed its October 2nd reinspection after inspector Katie Dea found evidence of persistent pest control issues and equipment violations that should have been addressed following the restaurant's conditional pass on September 24th. The latest inspection reveals concerning patterns of non-compliance that put diners at risk.

Pest Control Violations Continue

The most serious violation discovered during this inspection involved insect droppings found in a corner under the sushi bar behind the ice machine. This major violation carries significant health risks, as insects can carry 33 different types of bacteria and various parasitic organisms that cause foodborne illness. The restaurant was cited for failing to eliminate insects from the facility and properly sanitize affected areas. Inspector Dea noted that while cleaning occurred during the inspection visit, the presence of insect droppings indicates ongoing pest control problems that should have been resolved following the restaurant's conditional inspection just eight days earlier. The violation requires the restaurant to seal cracks and gaps, place monitoring traps throughout the facility, and continue regular pest control measures.

Equipment and Maintenance Issues

The reinspection also revealed multiple equipment violations that threaten food safety standards. Inspectors found extensive tape covering surfaces throughout the facility, including on bulk bin lids, walls in the back kitchen, and under the sushi bar counter. These taped surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized, creating potential harboring spots for bacteria and contaminants. Additionally, a heavily stained Black and Decker toaster oven was discovered in the sushi bar area. Household appliances like this cannot withstand commercial use and harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices that cannot be adequately sanitized. The restaurant was ordered to remove the appliance or label it for personal use only, with all food preparation moved to approved commercial equipment under the kitchen hood.

Plumbing and Sanitation Problems

The inspection uncovered serious plumbing violations that compromise the restaurant's ability to maintain proper sanitation. The restroom hand sink closest to the back kitchen was found to lack adequate warm water flow, with the right restroom reportedly placed out of service during the inspection. Inspectors also discovered improper drainage systems, with pipes from the ice machine draining directly into a floor sink without the required one-inch air gap. This violation can lead to cross-contamination and sewage backup issues. The restaurant was given until October 16th to install proper drainage lines.

Previous Inspection History

The failed reinspection comes just over a week after Eat Sushi received a conditional pass on September 24th, when inspectors found multiple violations including improper handwashing procedures, inadequate sanitizing solutions, and temperature control issues with the sushi cooler. While some of these issues were reportedly corrected, the persistence of pest control and equipment problems indicates ongoing management challenges. Located near Civic Center BART in the busy SOMA district, the restaurant serves an area with high foot traffic from commuters and downtown workers. The continued violations raise concerns about food safety standards in an establishment handling raw fish and other high-risk ingredients typical of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant must address all outstanding violations before it can receive approval to continue operations. Customers are advised to check the restaurant's current inspection status before dining, as ongoing violations pose risks of foodborne illness and contamination.