Tea Fm Cafe Closed After Rodent Droppings Found on Counters

A popular Parkside cafe was forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered a disturbing scene of widespread rodent contamination throughout the kitchen during a failed reinspection on November 6, 2025. Tea Fm, located at 3251 20th Avenue near Stonestown Muni, was shuttered by the San Francisco Department of Public Health after inspectors found numerous rodent droppings scattered across food preparation areas, countertops, and even on top of food storage containers during this inspection.

Rodent Infestation Discovered

The most alarming discovery came when inspectors documented extensive evidence of rodent activity throughout the kitchen facility. According to the official inspection report, "numerous rodent droppings" were found on countertops where food preparation occurs, on ledges adjacent to cooking areas, on tops of food containers, and throughout kitchen shelving areas. This level of rodent contamination poses serious health risks to customers, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of droppings directly on food contact surfaces and storage containers indicates a severe breach of basic food safety protocols.

Multiple Critical Health Violations

Beyond the rodent problem, inspectors uncovered several additional critical violations that contributed to the facility's closure. The cafe was operating with a broken sewage system, with wastewater from the three-compartment sink draining directly into a bucket due to damaged piping - a violation that creates potential cross-contamination risks. Dangerous temperature violations were also discovered, including boba tea held at only 125°F when regulations require 135°F for safe hot holding. Even more concerning, inspectors found half-and-half dairy products sitting at room temperature measuring 77°F, having been left out for over an hour according to staff. The facility lacked basic food safety monitoring equipment, with no thermometers available in any refrigeration units, making it impossible for staff to verify safe food storage temperatures. Additionally, three staff members present during the inspection lacked required food safety manager certification and food handler cards.

Reinspection Reveals Ongoing Problems

This closure occurred during what was supposed to be a reinspection, indicating the cafe had previously failed to meet health standards. The accumulation of violations suggests systemic food safety management issues rather than isolated incidents. The combination of rodent infestation, sewage problems, and temperature control failures created a perfect storm of health hazards that could have exposed customers to serious foodborne illnesses. Pathogens associated with these violations include Clostridium perfringens, which multiplies rapidly in temperature-abused foods, and various bacteria carried by rodents. Tea Fm remained closed following the failed inspection until the establishment could address all violations and pass a subsequent reinspection. The cafe eventually reopened on November 17 after implementing pest control measures and deep cleaning procedures. For Parkside residents who frequent establishments near Stonestown Muni, this closure serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety oversight in protecting public health.