Fat Beli Deli Gets Conditional Pass Despite Minor Violations

Fat Beli Deli in Visitacion Valley received a conditional pass on its health inspection conducted November 14, 2025, allowing the deli to remain open while addressing minor equipment and sanitation violations that require correction by December 15, 2025. The routine inspection at the deli located at 2598 San Bruno Avenue revealed four total violations, with one major issue and three minor infractions that pose manageable risks to food safety. Inspector findings during this inspection focused primarily on equipment maintenance needs and proper food handling procedures rather than serious health hazards.

Equipment Maintenance Required

The primary concern identified during the inspection involves the three-compartment sink system at the front of the restaurant. The third compartment was found leaking and not in use, forcing staff to improvise their dishwashing procedures by using the first two compartments for rinsing and sanitizing while employing a separate container for washing. This major violation under California Retail Food Code Section 114095 requires immediate attention to ensure proper utensil cleaning and sanitation protocols. Inspectors emphasized that improper dishwashing can spread pathogens across dishes, with some bacteria like Hepatitis A surviving on inadequately washed surfaces for weeks. The current workaround system, while functional, does not meet health department standards for comprehensive cleaning procedures.

Minor Handling Issues Addressed

Three minor violations were also documented, with two corrected immediately on site. Staff had been using containers without handles to scoop bulk food items, including plastic containers stored directly inside bulk ingredients and a scoop handle buried in a sugar container. Upon instruction, operators immediately removed the improper containers and repositioned scoop handles to prevent food contact. Additionally, five wet wiping cloths were found stored on food contact surfaces throughout the front kitchen area. The inspector directed staff to place all wiping cloths in designated sanitizer buckets with proper chlorine concentration, which was corrected during the inspection visit.

Structural Improvements Needed

The remaining violation involves missing grout around floor tiles in the front kitchen area near the three-compartment sink. This maintenance issue requires professional correction with proof of completion sent to the health department by the December deadline.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these violations, Fat Beli Deli continues serving customers in the Visitacion Valley neighborhood, accessible via the T-Third Muni line. The conditional pass status indicates that while improvements are necessary, the violations do not pose immediate health risks requiring closure. The restaurant previously underwent a reinspection on December 3, 2025, which found that most previous violations had been corrected, with only the floor grout issue remaining. This pattern demonstrates the establishment's commitment to addressing health department concerns promptly.

Follow-Up Requirements

Owned by Yesenia L Lopez Vasquez and Hermenegildo M Tomas Vasquez, the deli must complete all required corrections before the December 15 deadline. The health department will likely conduct another reinspection to verify that the sink repairs and grout replacement have been properly completed. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to maintain normal operations while working toward full compliance, ensuring continued service for the local community while prioritizing food safety improvements.