New Burma SF SOMA Restaurant Fails Reinspection Health Check

New Burma, a restaurant located in San Francisco's SOMA district, has failed its reinspection on October 21, 2025, marking the second consecutive failed health inspection within two weeks. The establishment at 659 Townsend Street continues to operate despite ongoing violations that put customer safety at risk. Inspector Roy Bwogi discovered three minor violations during this inspection, focusing primarily on equipment storage and ventilation problems. The most concerning issue involved improper storage and use of equipment, utensils, and linens, which creates significant health hazards for diners.

Health Violations Found

The restaurant's failure to properly store utensils and equipment poses serious contamination risks. According to health code violations, improperly stored utensils collect airborne bacteria and dust, while contaminated storage spreads dangerous pathogens to clean items that come into direct contact with food. This violation directly impacts the safety of meals served to customers, as contaminated utensils can transfer harmful bacteria to prepared dishes. Additionally, New Burma was cited for inadequate ventilation and lighting in designated areas. Poor ventilation systems can lead to moisture buildup, creating ideal conditions for mold growth and bacterial contamination. Insufficient lighting makes it difficult for kitchen staff to properly identify food spoilage and maintain cleanliness standards. The violations cited fall under California Retail Food Code Section 114161 and 114178, which establish mandatory standards for equipment storage and handling procedures in commercial food establishments.

Pattern of Non-Compliance

This failed reinspection represents a troubling pattern for the restaurant. Just twelve days earlier, on October 9, 2025, New Burma failed its routine inspection, also conducted by Inspector Bwogi. The quick succession of failed inspections indicates systemic problems with the restaurant's food safety protocols and management oversight. The fact that the establishment failed its reinspection suggests that corrective measures taken after the initial failure were insufficient or improperly implemented. Reinspections are typically scheduled to verify that restaurants have addressed previously identified violations and brought their operations into compliance with health codes.

Customer Safety Concerns

Diners who visit New Burma near the Civic Center BART station face potential health risks due to these ongoing violations. Contaminated utensils can harbor dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and other foodborne pathogens that cause severe illness. Poor storage practices allow cross-contamination between clean and dirty equipment, multiplying the risk of foodborne illness. The restaurant's ventilation issues compound these risks by creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and food quality can deteriorate more rapidly. Inadequate lighting prevents kitchen staff from properly inspecting food for signs of spoilage or contamination.

Inspection Timeline

The October 21 reinspection took place from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and was received by Joe Oo on behalf of the restaurant. Despite the failed result, the establishment was not ordered to close and remains open to the public. New Burma's inspection history shows a concerning trend, with both recorded inspections in 2025 resulting in failures. The restaurant can be reached at (650) 201-0626 for customers seeking information about food safety measures. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will likely schedule another follow-up inspection to ensure the restaurant addresses these persistent violations and protects public health.