McDonald's Excelsior Fails Inspection - Sewage Issues Found

A McDonald's restaurant in San Francisco's Excelsior district failed a routine health inspection on October 14, 2025, after inspectors discovered critical violations including sewage backup and standing water throughout the facility. The restaurant at 5454 Mission Street near Balboa Park BART was cited for five violations, including one critical infraction that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Sewage Violation

The most serious violation involved improper sewage disposal, with inspector Montre Tieu discovering a clogged floor sink filled with standing water beneath the front-of-house ice machine. The inspection report from this inspection detailed how the compromised drainage system created unsanitary conditions that could contaminate ice and food preparation areas. Water accumulation on floors around the ice machine provided evidence of ongoing drainage problems that management had failed to address. This critical violation falls under California Retail Food Code requirements for proper sewage and wastewater disposal. Standing water and compromised drainage systems create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and can lead to cross-contamination of food products, potentially causing foodborne illnesses including E. coli and salmonella infections in customers.

Equipment and Plumbing Failures

Beyond the sewage issues, inspectors found multiple equipment failures that compromised food safety operations. The three-compartment sink in the back of house was rendered partially unusable due to a faucet that could not reach the first compartment, preventing proper dishwashing procedures. This violation directly impacts the restaurant's ability to sanitize dishes and utensils, creating risks for cross-contamination. The inspection also revealed problems with the ice machine's drainage system, where the drainage hose was improperly placed inside the floor sink containing standing water. This configuration violates backflow prevention requirements and creates a direct pathway for contaminated water to enter the ice supply that customers consume in their beverages.

Ventilation and Safety Concerns

Additional violations included damaged exhaust hood equipment above the grill area, where a displaced filter panel left gaps that compromised proper ventilation. This type of equipment failure can lead to inadequate removal of cooking fumes and grease, creating both fire hazards and air quality problems for workers and customers. Inspectors also documented accumulations of grease and debris beneath grills and the main cooking station, along with standing water on floors. While staff corrected the water accumulation on-site during the inspection, the underlying drainage problems that caused these conditions remained unresolved.

Restaurant History and Next Steps

This failure represents a significant departure from the restaurant's recent track record. The facility had passed a reinspection on October 28, 2025, and subsequently received a passing grade on a routine inspection in December 2025. However, the October violations required immediate attention, with correction deadlines ranging from October 21 to November 11, 2025. The restaurant was not ordered to close during the inspection, allowing operations to continue while addressing the cited violations. Inspector Montre Tieu provided specific correction requirements, including contacting a licensed plumber to service the clogged floor sink and installing proper air gaps for the ice machine drainage system. For Excelsior residents who frequent this fast food location near the busy Balboa Park transit hub, these violations highlight the importance of ongoing food safety oversight at high-volume establishments.