Jasmine Tea House Gets Conditional Pass on Mission Reinspection

Jasmine Tea House on Mission Street received a conditional pass during its October 24 reinspection, allowing the popular Mission district establishment to remain open while addressing minor storage violations that require immediate attention. The restaurant near 24th Street Mission BART must correct improper equipment storage practices by October 25 to maintain full compliance with San Francisco health standards. Inspector Lucas Willis conducted the reinspection from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM, finding significant improvements from the restaurant's previous inspection on October 20. The facility successfully corrected all critical risk factor violations that were identified during the initial routine inspection, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to food safety standards.

Minor Violations Requiring Correction

During this inspection, Willis observed lids for the cold top cooler unit being stored on the kitchen floor, a practice that violates approved sanitation standards. The inspector required the restaurant to discontinue this storage method immediately and store the lids on approved surfaces that are properly cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, the establishment must sanitize all lids before placing them back on equipment. The violation represents a relatively minor infraction in the broader context of food safety compliance, focusing on equipment maintenance rather than direct food contamination risks. This type of storage issue is common in busy restaurant kitchens where space constraints can lead to temporary placement of equipment on unapproved surfaces.

Successful Corrections from Previous Inspection

The reinspection revealed substantial improvements since the October 20 routine inspection. Jasmine Tea House successfully addressed multiple areas of concern, including ensuring food handler cards were available on-site and maintaining properly accessible and fully stocked handwashing sinks throughout the facility. Temperature control systems showed marked improvement, with the cold top cooler now holding foods at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, meeting strict refrigeration requirements. The restaurant also corrected its sanitizer preparation protocols, maintaining a chlorine solution of at least 100 parts per million in sanitizer buckets. Kitchen operations demonstrated enhanced compliance with approved thawing methods, with staff observed using proper cold running water techniques for seafood preparation. Food storage containers now feature appropriate lids and covers, while cooking equipment showed evidence of thorough cleaning and degreasing.

Operational Improvements and Equipment Updates

The inspection noted that previously unapproved equipment was no longer in use, indicating the restaurant's proactive approach to maintaining only certified kitchen tools and appliances. Staff demonstrated improved hygiene protocols, with wiping cloths stored properly according to health department guidelines. Infrastructure improvements were evident in the repair of a handwashing sink leak that had been noted in the previous inspection. This correction ensures consistent access to proper handwashing facilities for kitchen staff, a critical component of food safety protocols.

Continued Service in Mission District

Despite the conditional status, Jasmine Tea House continues serving customers in the vibrant Mission District community. The restaurant's location at 3259 Mission Street places it within walking distance of the busy 24th Street corridor, making it easily accessible to both local residents and visitors exploring the neighborhood's diverse dining scene. The establishment received a pass placard allowing continued operations while addressing the minor storage violation. Inspector Willis emphasized that the restaurant should continue working on the observed violation to ensure full compliance by the October 25 deadline. This reinspection demonstrates the effectiveness of San Francisco's follow-up inspection process, allowing restaurants to correct violations while maintaining service to their communities when public health risks are minimal.