Wok Station Gets Conditional Pass with Minor Food Safety Issues

Wok Station Inc received a conditional pass during its November 6 reinspection, allowing the Chinese restaurant to continue serving customers in the Inner Sunset neighborhood while addressing minor food safety violations that require correction but do not pose immediate health risks. The restaurant at 2154 Irving Street, conveniently located near the N-Judah Muni line, underwent a targeted reinspection from 2:10 PM to 2:30 PM that identified four violations, three of which were corrected on-site during the inspector's visit. The conditional pass status means the establishment can remain open for business while making necessary improvements to achieve full compliance.

Temperature Control Issues Addressed

The primary concerns during this inspection centered on proper temperature control procedures. Inspectors discovered boxes of eggs and tofu being stored on the floor without proper refrigeration, a violation that was immediately corrected when staff moved the items to appropriate cooler storage at the inspector's request. Additionally, hot and sour soup was found being held in a warmer at an unsafe temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the required minimum for hot holding. The person in charge indicated this soup is prepared fresh daily and discarded at the end of each shift, demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to food safety despite the temperature oversight. The inspection also revealed improper thawing practices when frozen chicken delivered that day was observed thawing at room temperature directly on the floor. Staff promptly moved the chicken to proper cooler storage when directed by the inspector, showing responsiveness to food safety guidance.

Equipment and Facility Improvements

The remaining violation requiring follow-up attention involves two inoperable refrigerators that must be removed from the premises. While these units are not currently in use for food storage, their removal is necessary to maintain proper facility standards and prevent potential contamination risks. The inspector also addressed cleanliness standards by requesting preparation of a chlorine sanitizer solution to clean a soiled prep sink, which was completed during the visit. This immediate correction demonstrates the staff's willingness to maintain proper sanitation protocols.

Operational Impact and Customer Service

The conditional pass allows Wok Station to continue normal operations while addressing the identified issues. Customers can expect continued service of their favorite Chinese dishes while the restaurant works to achieve full compliance with health department standards. The facility's quick response to inspector recommendations, with three of four violations corrected immediately on-site, indicates strong cooperation with health department guidelines. The restaurant's location in the bustling Inner Sunset district means continued access for neighborhood residents and those utilizing nearby N-Judah Muni transit.

Compliance Timeline

The restaurant must address the remaining equipment violation by removing the inoperable refrigerators to achieve full compliance. No specific timeline was indicated in the inspection report, but conditional passes typically require follow-up inspections to verify corrections have been completed. This represents the first recorded inspection for Wok Station Inc in the city's database, making it difficult to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. The restaurant's responsive attitude during this initial inspection suggests a commitment to meeting health department standards while maintaining quality service for Inner Sunset diners. The conditional pass status allows continued operation while ensuring food safety standards are met, demonstrating the health department's balanced approach to enforcement that protects public health while supporting local businesses.