House of Dim Sum Gets Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

House of Dim Sum in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a reinspection on October 8, 2025, demonstrating significant improvement from its previous inspection while addressing one minor handwashing violation that was corrected on site. The Chinese restaurant near Powell St BART/Muni can continue serving customers while maintaining compliance with health regulations. During this inspection conducted by Inspector Katie Dea between 10:40 AM and 11:20 AM, only one minor violation was cited involving proper handwashing procedures. The inspector observed an employee using gloved hands to show a Food Handler Card on their phone, then putting away the phone and adjusting equipment on the cook line before beginning to rinse vegetables without properly washing hands between tasks. The violation was immediately corrected on site after the inspector provided education that was translated into Chinese by the restaurant operator, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to proper food safety protocols.

Significant Improvements Noted

The reinspection revealed substantial compliance improvements from violations noted during the restaurant's previous inspection on September 23. Inspector Dea documented multiple areas where House of Dim Sum had successfully addressed earlier concerns, including obtaining required Food Handler Cards for cooking staff, eliminating improper employee eating and drinking behaviors, and implementing proper cleaning procedures. The restaurant also demonstrated improved sanitation standards with wiping cloths properly stored in sanitizing solution exceeding 100 parts per million chlorine, clean cutting boards with no ant infestations observed, and thoroughly cleaned cook line equipment including refrigerator gaskets, cup sealers, and areas under steam tables that were previously found with grease buildup.

Facility Maintenance Achievements

House of Dim Sum addressed several equipment and facility issues that had been flagged during the routine inspection. The restaurant removed improper cardboard storage materials, eliminated improper storage of personal items, and completed repairs to peeling wall and cove base areas that have been properly cleaned. These improvements demonstrate the establishment's dedication to maintaining a sanitary food preparation environment.

Inspection History and Context

The conditional pass represents meaningful progress for the Tenderloin establishment, which had received a conditional rating during its routine inspection in September. The restaurant's proactive approach to addressing violations shows management's commitment to food safety standards and customer protection. Inspector Dea expressed appreciation for the restaurant's compliance efforts in her inspection notes. House of Dim Sum's location in the Tenderloin district places it among numerous dining establishments serving the area's diverse community. The restaurant's Chinese cuisine offerings continue to be available to customers while the establishment maintains its improved food safety protocols. The inspector provided contact information for follow-up questions and continued compliance support. The conditional pass rating allows House of Dim Sum to continue normal operations while ensuring all food safety standards are met. The single minor violation corrected during the inspection demonstrates the restaurant's responsive approach to maintaining health department compliance and protecting customer safety through proper food handling procedures.