SF Indian Restaurant Conditionally Passes After Cockroaches

Spice of America, the Indian restaurant at 1655 Market Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during its reopening inspection on November 12, but not before inspectors documented ongoing pest control issues and equipment failures that had previously forced its closure. The reinspection revealed that while the restaurant had made progress addressing violations that led to its October 31 closure, serious concerns remained. Inspectors found a live cockroach inside the drip pan of the oven, along with rodent droppings in the loft storage area and flies near spice storage areas and refuse bins.

Critical Food Safety Violations

The most alarming discovery involved moldy food being stored in a non-operational prep cooler at the cookline. Inspectors found moldy fries, paneer, and sauces in the cooler, which was turned off and registering 69°F - well above safe food storage temperatures. The restaurant operator admitted the refrigerator had been off since the previous day, and all contaminated food was voluntarily discarded during this inspection. Temperature control emerged as a significant concern, with multiple pieces of refrigeration equipment failing to operate properly. The ice machine, under-counter reach-in refrigeration unit, and upright refrigerator were all non-operational at the time of inspection. Such equipment failures put customers at risk of foodborne illnesses including salmonella and E. coli when perishable foods are stored at unsafe temperatures.

Pest Control Challenges

Despite the restaurant's efforts to address the severe vermin infestation that triggered its initial closure, pest issues persisted. Inspectors discovered two holes in the loft area under the skylight that provided entry points for rodents. These openings were sealed with sealant during the inspection, and areas contaminated with droppings were cleaned. The presence of a container of RAID pesticide on the three-compartment sink drainboard violated food safety protocols, as pesticides cannot be stored near food preparation areas. The product was immediately discarded.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

The restaurant's dishwashing system presented additional health risks. The automatic dishwasher sanitizer measured 0 parts per million of chlorine when it should maintain proper sanitization levels to prevent cross-contamination. After multiple attempts and priming, the machine finally reached 25 ppm chlorine by inspection's end. A wood staircase leading to the loft storage area remained without handrails, creating a fall hazard for employees accessing inventory. Non-operational equipment cluttered the refuse area, contributing to fly activity that could spread pathogens throughout the kitchen.

Previous Inspection History

The restaurant's troubles began with a previous inspection on October 31, when health officials immediately suspended its permit due to severe vermin infestation. That inspection revealed live cockroaches of various life stages inside the oven and heavy filth fly activity, prompting the emergency closure. Located near Civic Center BART, the restaurant serves the busy SOMA district where office workers and residents frequently dine. The conditional pass allows Spice of America to continue operating while addressing remaining equipment issues, but customers should be aware that the establishment is still working to fully resolve its food safety challenges. The facility's permit was reinstated with reinspection fees applied, and management must continue working with health officials to maintain compliance with San Francisco's food safety standards.