Taste of Fusion Kitchen Gets Conditional Pass on Minor Issue

Taste of Fusion Kitchen in San Francisco's Outer Richmond neighborhood received a conditional pass during a recent reinspection, with inspectors identifying one minor violation that was corrected on-site. The restaurant at 3497 Balboa Street remains open for business while addressing the minor food safety concern. During this inspection conducted on October 14, 2025, by health inspector Jessica Jang, the primary issue involved inadequate separation of food items at the cook line. Specifically, inspectors observed that the restaurant lacked separate serving utensils for each protein, creating potential for cross-contamination between different food items.

Inspection Details

The violation cited under California Retail Food Code Section 113986 and 113988 related to food separation and protection protocols. Inspector Jang noted the absence of dedicated tongs or spoons for each protein at the cooking station, which could lead to contamination between raw chicken, beef, and other proteins prepared on-site. The restaurant management, represented by Gordon Lee who received the inspection report, was instructed to provide separate serving utensils to ensure proper food safety protocols. This type of cross contamination violation, while serious from a food safety perspective, represents a procedural issue that can be quickly addressed through proper equipment and staff training. Inspector Jang emphasized the importance of preventing cross-contamination, particularly with raw chicken which can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. These pathogens pose significant health risks when allowed to spread to other food items through shared utensils or improper handling procedures.

Conditional Pass Status

The conditional pass designation allows Taste of Fusion Kitchen to continue serving customers while implementing the required corrections. This status indicates that while violations were found, they did not pose an immediate threat requiring restaurant closure. The establishment has until the correction deadline to fully address the utensil separation issue. Located near the 38 Geary bus line, the restaurant serves the busy Outer Richmond corridor where residents rely on local dining establishments. The conditional pass ensures continued food service availability while maintaining health department oversight of the correction process. Restaurant operators received specific instructions to acquire dedicated serving tools for each protein type and implement procedures to prevent cross-contamination during food preparation. These measures align with standard food safety protocols designed to protect public health while allowing businesses to operate efficiently.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection represents the restaurant's first recorded health department evaluation in available records, suggesting either a newly opened establishment or limited inspection history. The reinspection nature of this visit indicates previous concerns that prompted follow-up monitoring by health officials. The single major violation found during this inspection demonstrates the restaurant's general compliance with most health codes, with the cross-contamination issue representing a specific procedural gap rather than widespread food safety problems. Inspector contact information was provided for any questions regarding the correction requirements, with Jessica Jang available at (415) 252-3825 or jessica.jang@sfdph.org for clarification on compliance expectations. The restaurant's management now has clear guidance on addressing the utensil separation requirement, allowing them to maintain operations while ensuring full compliance with San Francisco health department standards for safe food handling and preparation.