Million Thai Gets Conditional Pass on Minor Hair Violations

Million Thai in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a reinspection on October 3, 2025, successfully correcting most health violations while addressing remaining minor issues that allow the restaurant to continue serving customers. The Thai restaurant at 385 Taylor Street demonstrated significant improvement from its previous inspection, with Inspector John Wells noting that the facility corrected several major violations including temperature control issues, rodent droppings cleanup, and equipment repairs. However, two minor violations regarding personal cleanliness and hair restraints remain to be addressed.

Inspection Progress and Improvements

During this inspection, Million Thai successfully resolved critical food safety concerns that were identified in their previous evaluation. The restaurant now maintains proper food temperatures, with items in the upright cooler measuring 41°F and the prep cooler maintaining appropriate cold storage temperatures. Staff also cleaned rodent droppings near the chest freezer area and removed clear tape from a rice cooker that needed replacement. The facility now has a certified food safety manager on staff, addressing one of the key requirements for maintaining health department compliance. Temperature monitoring systems are functioning properly, ensuring that perishable ingredients remain within safe storage parameters throughout food preparation and service.

Remaining Minor Violations

The conditional pass status stems from two identical violations observed during the reinspection. Inspector Wells noted that one of the two cooks was preparing food without wearing a proper hair restraint, a requirement for all food preparation staff in commercial kitchens. This personal cleanliness violation represents a minor but important food safety concern that must be corrected. Additionally, inspectors found that a drain pipe beneath the food preparation table remains submerged in the floor sink, requiring elevation of at least one inch above the rim. While this plumbing issue doesn't pose immediate health risks, it represents a potential sanitation concern that needs addressing before the next routine inspection.

Restaurant Operations Continue

The conditional pass allows Million Thai to remain open while addressing these minor violations. Located near Powell St BART and Muni stations, the restaurant continues serving customers in the busy Tenderloin corridor. The establishment's ability to correct major violations demonstrates management's commitment to food safety compliance. Restaurant manager Sarawut Lampa received the inspection report and acknowledged the remaining violations. The facility has until the next routine inspection to implement hair restraint policies for all kitchen staff and complete the plumbing modifications required for the floor sink drainage system.

Next Steps and Follow-Up

Inspector Wells will verify correction of the remaining violations during Million Thai's next scheduled routine inspection. The restaurant must ensure all food preparation staff wear appropriate hair restraints and complete the drain pipe elevation project to achieve full compliance. The conditional pass reflects the restaurant's substantial progress in addressing health department concerns while maintaining operational standards. Customers can continue dining at Million Thai with confidence that major food safety issues have been resolved, while minor corrections are completed in the coming weeks. This inspection demonstrates the health department's collaborative approach to food safety, allowing restaurants to correct violations while maintaining service to the community when immediate health risks are minimal.