SF Yin Xing Food Co Fails Health Inspection with Rodents

Yin Xing Food Co Inc on Clement Street in San Francisco's Inner Richmond district failed its routine health inspection on October 3, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings in the basement storage area and multiple temperature violations with fresh produce and noodles stored at dangerous levels. Health inspector Lucas Willis documented seven total violations during the morning inspection, including two major infractions that pose serious health risks to customers. The most concerning discovery involved rodent droppings found on the basement floor beneath dry goods storage racks, indicating an active pest infestation in food storage areas.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed potentially hazardous foods stored at unsafe temperatures throughout the facility. Inspectors found enoki mushrooms at 51°F, snow white mushrooms at 52°F, bean sprouts at 57°F, and fresh noodles at 52°F - all significantly above safe refrigeration temperatures. According to the person in charge, these items had been left at room temperature for less than 30 minutes during the morning opening, but were immediately moved to refrigeration units during this inspection. The temperature violations create serious food safety concerns, as bacteria multiply rapidly in the danger zone between 41°F and 135°F. Clostridium perfringens, a common cause of foodborne illness, multiplies especially quickly between 70°F and 120°F, while Listeria can continue growing even at refrigeration temperatures. Additional violations included the contaminated handwashing sink, which inspectors found being used for food preparation with visible food debris. This practice violates basic food safety protocols and increases contamination risks throughout the kitchen. The facility also lacked hot water access at the food preparation sink due to a missing handle, preventing proper sanitization of equipment and utensils.

Rodent Infestation Concerns

The discovery of rodent droppings in the basement storage area represents the most serious health threat, as mice produce approximately 50 droppings daily that can contain Salmonella and hantavirus. The contamination in dry goods storage areas means products destined for customer consumption were exposed to disease-carrying pest waste. Inspectors ordered immediate cleaning and sanitization of affected areas and recommended the restaurant obtain licensed pest control services. The facility has until October 4, 2025, to address the rodent problem and demonstrate proper sanitation measures.

Restaurant Operations

Despite the failed inspection, Yin Xing Food Co Inc was not ordered to close and continues operating while addressing the violations. The Chinese market and restaurant serves the busy Inner Richmond corridor, convenient to the 38 Geary bus line. This marks the first recorded inspection for the establishment, which opened recently at 661 Clement Street. The facility must complete all required corrections by the specified deadlines to avoid potential closure or additional enforcement actions. The inspection highlights ongoing food safety challenges in San Francisco's restaurant industry, where temperature control and pest management remain critical concerns for public health officials monitoring hundreds of food service establishments across the city.