Giant Scoop Cafe Closed for Dirty Surfaces & Food Separation

Health inspectors closed Giant Scoop Cafe in Visitacion Valley on November 5, 2025, after discovering seven health violations that put customers at serious risk of foodborne illness. The cafe at 2708 San Bruno Avenue failed its routine inspection, forcing immediate closure due to contaminated food contact surfaces and improper food storage practices.

Critical Food Safety Violations

The most alarming discovery during this inspection involved dirty food contact surfaces throughout the kitchen. Inspectors found that the establishment lacked proper chlorine sanitizer solution for cleaning cutting boards, utensils, and preparation surfaces. This violation alone creates a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can spread to every item prepared in the kitchen. Food separation violations compounded the contamination risk, with inspectors discovering that raw and cooked foods were not properly separated. This cross-contamination hazard is particularly dangerous in cafe environments where ready-to-eat items like sandwiches and pastries are prepared alongside potentially hazardous ingredients. The violation was serious enough to be flagged as a critical food safety issue requiring immediate correction.

Toxic Substances and Equipment Problems

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for improper storage and identification of toxic substances, creating potential poisoning risks for both staff and customers. Cleaning chemicals and sanitizers were not properly separated from food preparation areas, violating basic food safety protocols that protect against accidental contamination. The cafe's mechanical exhaust hood filters were found to be dirty and poorly maintained, creating fire hazards and allowing grease and contamination to accumulate in the kitchen ventilation system. This equipment violation not only poses health risks but also creates dangerous working conditions that could lead to kitchen fires.

Contaminated Cleaning Practices

Perhaps most concerning was the discovery that wiping cloths were improperly stored and used throughout the kitchen. Inspectors found wet cleaning cloths that were not stored in sanitizer solution, meaning they were spreading millions of bacteria across food contact surfaces rather than cleaning them. These contaminated cloths essentially turned every cleaning action into a contamination event. The cafe also violated employee hygiene standards by allowing personal food and beverages in food preparation areas, creating additional contamination pathways that could expose customers to illness-causing pathogens.

Impact on Visitacion Valley Dining

Giant Scoop Cafe serves the Visitacion Valley community near the T-Third Muni line, making it a convenient stop for commuters and local residents. The closure removes a popular breakfast and lunch option from this underserved neighborhood, where dining choices are already limited. The health department's action demonstrates the serious nature of the violations found. Each violation identified poses genuine health risks, from cross-contamination that can cause severe food poisoning to toxic substance exposure that could result in chemical burns or poisoning.

Reopening Requirements

The restaurant underwent a successful reinspection on November 13, 2025, with all major violations corrected. However, inspectors still found minor issues with chlorine sanitizer concentration levels, showing the ongoing challenges the establishment faces in maintaining proper food safety standards. For customers who may have dined at Giant Scoop Cafe before its closure, health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which can appear within hours or days of consuming contaminated food.