SF Mission Restaurant Sanguchon Closed for Live Cockroaches

Sanguchon, a restaurant located at 1182 Valencia Street in San Francisco's Mission district, has been closed by the health department after inspectors discovered live cockroaches and multiple critical violations during a follow-up inspection on October 21, 2025. The most alarming discovery occurred when Inspector Tiombe Wiley observed moving cockroach antennae protruding from cracks between tiles and the wall during this inspection. Adding to the disturbing scene, five dead cockroaches were found scattered across the kitchen flooring near the doorway connecting the kitchen to the prep area.

Critical Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed four critical violations that posed immediate health risks to customers. Beyond the cockroach infestation, inspectors identified serious equipment issues including a compromised walk-in refrigerator with a separated door gasket allowing cold air to escape from gaps at the bottom. This temperature control failure could allow dangerous bacterial growth in stored food products. Plumbing problems added another layer of concern, with inspectors discovering a leak from the piping closet to the grease trap underneath the three-compartment sink. Such leaks can introduce harmful bacteria and create unsanitary conditions throughout the kitchen workspace. The facility also failed to maintain proper cleaning standards, with food debris observed on flooring in the prep and assembly area. Additionally, kitchen utensils were found in disrepair, with one spatula deemed unfit for food service use.

Health Risks for Customers

The presence of live and dead cockroaches in food preparation areas poses severe health risks. Cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, including Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning in restaurant patrons. These insects contaminate surfaces through their droppings, saliva, and shed skin particles. The compromised refrigeration system discovered during the inspection could have allowed perishable foods to reach dangerous temperatures, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth including E. coli and Listeria. Customers who dined at the restaurant before the closure may have been exposed to contaminated food products.

First-Time Inspection Reveals Systemic Issues

This closure marks the first recorded health inspection for Sanguchon in the city's database, making the severity of violations particularly concerning. The restaurant lacks a certified food safety manager, which health officials note reduces critical violations by 60% when properly implemented. The establishment has 60 days to obtain proper Food Manager Safety Certification as required by California health code. The timing of violations during a follow-up inspection suggests these issues persisted despite previous warnings, indicating systemic problems with the restaurant's food safety protocols and cleaning procedures.

Mission District Dining Impact

The closure affects dining options near the 24th Street Mission BART station, where Sanguchon served the local community. The restaurant remains closed with no announced reopening date, as management must address all critical violations and pass a reinspection before resuming food service operations. Restaurant patrons who visited Sanguchon before the October 21 closure should monitor their health for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if they experience nausea, vomiting, or digestive issues.