Plentea Gets Conditional Pass After Equipment Violations

Plentea, the popular tea shop located at 1515 3rd Street in San Francisco's bustling Mission Bay district, received a conditional pass during its health reinspection on October 24, 2025. The facility can continue operating while addressing minor equipment-related violations identified during the inspection.

Inspection Details

Inspector Roy Bwogi conducted the reinspection from 3:20 PM to 4:15 PM, finding one minor violation related to equipment standards. The violation cited was for "Equipment Approved: Clean; Installed; Good Repair; Capacity," indicating issues with commercial equipment standards that need immediate attention. According to this inspection, the establishment was found to have equipment that may not meet commercial food service requirements. The California Retail Food Code Section 114130 and 114160 specifically address the need for properly approved commercial equipment, as household-grade equipment cannot withstand the demands of commercial use and may harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices. The inspection also highlighted concerns about latex gloves, which can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities. Food service establishments must use appropriate gloves that meet commercial standards to protect both workers and customers.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection follows a failed routine inspection conducted on October 16, 2025, also by Inspector Bwogi. The quick turnaround for the reinspection demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to addressing health code violations promptly and maintaining safe operations for its customers. The conditional pass indicates that while Plentea has made progress in correcting the violations found during the initial failed inspection, some minor equipment issues still require attention. This type of result allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while working to fully resolve the remaining compliance issues.

Mission Bay Location Context

Plentea's location in Mission Bay places it in one of San Francisco's rapidly developing neighborhoods, known for its proximity to UCSF and numerous biotech companies. The area is easily accessible via the T-Third Muni line, making it a convenient stop for both residents and workers in the area. The restaurant specializes in tea service and operates in a competitive market where food safety standards are crucial for maintaining customer trust. Mission Bay's growing population of young professionals and students creates high expectations for cleanliness and quality at local establishments.

Moving Forward

A conditional pass requires the establishment to address the cited violations within a specified timeframe. The restaurant must demonstrate compliance with commercial equipment standards, which may involve replacing household-grade items with approved commercial equipment or ensuring existing equipment meets health department standards. The relatively minor nature of the violations suggests that Plentea is close to achieving full compliance. Equipment-related issues are typically straightforward to resolve, often requiring equipment replacement or proper installation procedures rather than extensive operational changes. Customers can continue to visit Plentea with confidence, as conditional passes indicate that the restaurant can operate safely while making final adjustments. The health department will likely conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that all equipment violations have been properly addressed. The restaurant's phone number (626) 679-8309 remains available for customers seeking information about current operations or menu availability during this compliance period.