West Portal Pizza Shop Gets Conditional Pass on Pest Issues

Goat Hill Pizza in West Portal received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 12, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings in food preparation areas. The pizza restaurant at 170 West Portal Avenue can continue operating while addressing pest control violations that require immediate attention. Health inspectors found mouse droppings on the ledge directly behind flour bags located next to the pizza ovens, as well as on the floor behind a Hotpoint freezer in the front prep area. The discovery prompted immediate corrective action requirements, though the violations were not severe enough to force closure of the popular neighborhood establishment.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, conducted between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, inspectors cited the restaurant for violations related to pest control under California Retail Food Code Section 114259. The inspection revealed that the facility's last professional pest control service was performed on September 23, 2025, by Mills Pest Control, indicating a gap of nearly two months since the previous treatment. The inspector's report detailed additional concerns beyond the immediate food prep areas. Rat droppings were discovered throughout the entire back area of the restaurant, including the downstairs storage space. The back door was found open during the inspection, creating an entry point for rodents, while common areas showed large gaps and openings with torn wire mesh screens and overgrown vines that could facilitate rodent entry.

Required Corrections

Restaurant management must complete several corrective actions to address the conditional pass status. All affected surfaces where droppings were found must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized immediately. The establishment is required to schedule additional pest control service as soon as possible and email the treatment report directly to the inspector for verification. Structural improvements are also mandated for long-term pest prevention. The entire back area, including the downstairs basement storage, must be cleaned and sanitized with excess materials removed. All openings, gaps, and cracks throughout the facility must be properly sealed with approved materials to prevent future rodent entry.

Operational Requirements

While addressing these violations, the restaurant must maintain strict protocols to prevent further contamination. The back door must remain closed at all times, a basic requirement that was not being followed during the inspection visit. The torn wire mesh screens require immediate repair or replacement to eliminate rodent access points. The inspector emphasized the health risks associated with rodent presence in food service establishments. Mouse droppings can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus, while rats can spread serious diseases like plague and leptospirosis. These health concerns make prompt correction of pest control issues a priority for public safety.

Restaurant Operations

Despite the conditional status, Goat Hill Pizza continues serving customers near the West Portal Muni station while implementing the required corrections. This represents the restaurant's first recorded health inspection, making it impossible to establish patterns from previous compliance history. The conditional pass allows the establishment to maintain operations while demonstrating progress on violation corrections. A follow-up inspection will verify that all required pest control measures have been implemented and that the facility meets full health department standards for unrestricted operation.