Health inspectors discovered rodent droppings near food preparation areas at Sababa restaurant in the Tenderloin, leading to a failed inspection on October 14, 2025. The disturbing findings at the restaurant located near Powell St BART raised serious concerns about food safety protocols and pest control measures.
During this inspection, conducted by Inspector Lucas Willis between 2:45 PM and 4:20 PM, investigators found rodent droppings in the area where cutting boards are stored. While inspectors noted they "did not observe any direct contamination of food or food contact surfaces," the presence of rodent evidence in food preparation areas represents a significant health hazard that could expose customers to dangerous pathogens including salmonella and E. coli.
Critical Food Safety Violations
The inspection revealed multiple violations beyond the rodent evidence. Inspectors discovered hummus containers improperly cooling at 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the walk-in cooler, well above the safe temperature of 41 degrees. The hummus had been prepared at room temperature and placed in the cooler approximately three hours earlier with plastic lids still attached, preventing proper cooling and creating conditions for bacterial growth. Health officials observed that the metal containers were stacked with lids on, violating proper cooling protocols. The person in charge was required to immediately remove the lids and place containers on sheet rack holders to achieve rapid cooling. Improper temperature control in food preparation can lead to foodborne illnesses, particularly with dairy-based products like hummus. Additional violations included cloth towels stored in direct contact with cooked pita bread at the bottom of storage containers, creating potential contamination risks. This practice violates California Retail Food Code requirements for proper food storage and handling.Structural and Equipment Problems
The facility showed signs of deterioration that could compromise food safety. Inspectors found a hole in the ceiling above the mop sink and gaps in steps leading to the downstairs preparation area. These structural deficiencies provide potential entry points for pests and create sanitation challenges. A flexible drain line in the downstairs prep area was found extending into the floor sink, creating a potential backflow hazard. Health officials required the restaurant to raise the drain line at least one inch above the floor sink to prevent contamination. Peeling paint on the ceiling above the mop sink was also cited, as it fails to meet requirements for surfaces to be smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in food service establishments.Previous Inspection History
Sababa's inspection record shows this failure comes just weeks after passing a routine inspection on September 17, 2025. The rapid decline from a passing grade to multiple violations, including rodent evidence, suggests potential lapses in ongoing pest control and sanitation maintenance. The restaurant was not ordered closed following the failed inspection, but must address the violations by specified correction dates ranging from immediate fixes to October 28, 2025. Customers dining at establishments with rodent evidence face increased risks of foodborne illness and exposure to disease-carrying pathogens. The facility's phone number is listed as (781) 975-0606 for customers seeking additional information about the restaurant's corrective measures and current operational status.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Sababa |
| Address | |
| District | Tenderloin |
| Inspection Date | October 14, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |