Bun Mee Financial District Fails with Mold in Ice Machine

Bun Mee, the Vietnamese restaurant located at 650 Market Street in San Francisco's Financial District, failed its health inspection on October 8, 2025, after inspectors discovered multiple serious sanitation violations including mold-like buildup contaminating the ice machine that serves drinks to customers.

Health Violations Found

Inspector Alyssa Manzano documented disturbing conditions during this inspection that put diners at risk of foodborne illness. The most alarming discovery was mold-like buildup found on the top interior panel of the ice machine, a critical food contact surface that directly affects beverages served to customers. This type of contamination can harbor dangerous bacteria and pathogens that cause serious gastrointestinal illness. The inspection revealed additional equipment contamination when inspectors found the ice scoop stored improperly on a dry storage shelf where it was in direct contact with soda boxes and avocados. This cross-contamination scenario creates a pathway for bacteria from produce and packaging to transfer directly to ice that goes into customer drinks. The violation was corrected on-site when staff removed the contaminated ice scoop for proper washing and sanitization. Structural deterioration throughout the facility raised additional health concerns. Inspectors documented mold-like buildup on the floor around the keg cooler, indicating ongoing moisture problems that create breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms. The situation was compounded by peeling paint observed on the ceiling above the warewashing area, where flaking paint particles could fall directly onto clean dishes and utensils.

Inspection Details

The routine inspection occurred between 12:45 PM and 2:00 PM during peak lunch hours near Montgomery St BART station. Inspector Manzano cited four violations, all classified as minor but collectively representing significant sanitation failures. The restaurant was not closed but must address all violations to prevent escalation during future inspections. One particularly concerning finding involved the hand sink detaching from the preparation table, compromising the seal that prevents contamination. This equipment issue creates gaps where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, making proper sanitation nearly impossible. The person in charge, identified as Karen Ramos, refused to sign the inspection report, which is unusual and may indicate disagreement with the inspector's findings or reluctance to acknowledge the violations.

Health Implications for Customers

The mold contamination in the ice machine represents the most serious health risk, as customers consuming drinks with ice from this machine could have been exposed to harmful bacteria and fungi. Mold in ice machines has been linked to respiratory problems and gastrointestinal illness, particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems. The improper storage of ice scoops creates additional contamination risks. When utensils contact produce packaging and other non-food surfaces before touching ice, they can transfer harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella directly to beverages.

Restaurant Context

This marks the first recorded inspection for Bun Mee at this Financial District location, making it impossible to determine if these are ongoing issues or recent problems. The restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine to the busy lunch crowd of office workers and tourists near Montgomery Street BART station. The violations must be corrected before the next inspection to avoid potential closure. The San Francisco Department of Public Health requires restaurants to maintain all food contact surfaces in sanitary condition and store equipment properly to prevent contamination. Inspector Manzano can be reached at (415) 252-3980 for questions about the violations or required corrections.