Epicurean Trader Gets Conditional Pass Despite Temperature Issues

The Epicurean Trader on Cortland Avenue received a conditional pass during its November 14 health inspection, allowing the popular Mission district gourmet food shop to remain open while addressing minor violations that were corrected on site. Health inspectors found several issues during the routine inspection at 401 Cortland Ave, including improper cold holding temperatures for specialty cheeses and cured meats, minimal rodent droppings in storage areas, and sandwiches displayed without proper time stamps. All violations were immediately addressed during the inspection, with the restaurant voluntarily discarding affected items and implementing corrective measures.

Temperature Control Issues Resolved

The most significant violation involved the reach-in cold holding unit where specialty items were stored at unsafe temperatures. Blue cheese registered 55°F, salami reached 60°F, 4 Alarm cheese measured 53°F, and Prairie Breeze cheese was found at 58°F - all above the safe refrigeration threshold. Inspectors determined that wooden shelving inside the refrigeration unit was blocking adequate airflow, preventing proper temperature control. The operator explained these items had been stored overnight in the compromised unit. Staff immediately discarded all temperature-abused products and relocated remaining soft cheeses to properly functioning refrigeration.

Minor Sanitation Concerns Addressed

During this inspection, minimal rodent droppings were discovered inside sugar storage drawers. No food contamination was found, and employees immediately began cleaning the affected areas. This represented a recurring concern, as the establishment's inspection history shows similar issues in previous visits. Additionally, two sandwiches were found in the display case without time stamps to track how long they had been held at room temperature. The operator stated these items were placed in the case two hours prior to inspection and explained their four-hour discard policy, though proper documentation was lacking.

Establishment's Compliance History

The Epicurean Trader has faced ongoing challenges maintaining consistent health standards. A September 26 reinspection also resulted in a conditional pass due to rodent-related violations. The original September 19 routine inspection identified multiple issues including inadequate handwashing facilities, temperature control problems, and pest concerns. This pattern suggests the specialty food shop continues working to establish reliable food safety protocols. Located near the 24th Street Mission BART station, the establishment serves a busy neighborhood clientele with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and prepared foods.

Continued Operations with Monitoring

Despite the conditional status, The Epicurean Trader can continue serving customers while implementing improvements. The conditional pass allows normal business operations but requires the establishment to address identified deficiencies and potentially face follow-up inspections to verify compliance. The November 14 inspection lasted from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM, during which all three violations were corrected on site. This immediate response demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to food safety, though the recurring nature of some issues indicates ongoing operational challenges that require systematic solutions rather than temporary fixes. Health inspectors noted the cooperative attitude of staff during the inspection process and their willingness to immediately discard compromised products, suggesting a commitment to public health despite the identified violations.