SF Museum Cafe Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issues

Events Mgmt@de Young Museum received a conditional pass during its November 18 health inspection after inspectors discovered rodent droppings in multiple locations throughout the Inner Richmond cafe facility, along with temperature control violations that required immediate correction. The museum cafe, located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive near the 38 Geary bus line, remains open to serve visitors while management addresses the violations found during this inspection. The conditional pass allows the establishment to continue operations while working to resolve the identified issues within the required timeframe.

Inspection Details

During the routine inspection conducted between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, the health inspector documented three violations ranging from critical to minor. The most serious concern involved evidence of rodent activity throughout the food service areas, with droppings discovered underneath service counters near the left cash register, behind cooking equipment including the oven and pressure cooker, in spaces between the grill and wall along the cook-line, and in corners beneath the high-temperature dishwashing machine. The presence of rodent droppings poses significant health risks, as mice typically produce 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. This violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which strictly prohibits insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals in food establishments.

Temperature Control Issues

Inspectors also identified potentially hazardous foods stored at unsafe temperatures, with metal bins containing perishable items measuring between 45-48 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 41 degrees or below. This temperature abuse violation was corrected on-site when employees relocated the metal bins to ensure proper contact with ice, bringing temperatures into compliance. Temperature control violations account for 63% of foodborne illness outbreaks, as harmful bacteria like Clostridium perfringens multiply rapidly when foods are stored in the danger zone between 41-140 degrees Fahrenheit. The quick correction demonstrates the facility's commitment to food safety protocols.

Minor Cleanliness Concerns

Additional observations included dust buildup underneath the cook-line equipment and on top of the service compartment of the high-temperature dishwasher. While these cleanliness issues represent minor violations that don't pose immediate health risks, they require attention to maintain proper sanitation standards expected in food service establishments. The dust accumulation suggests the need for more thorough cleaning protocols in areas that may not receive daily attention but still impact overall facility hygiene. Regular deep cleaning schedules can prevent such buildup and ensure compliance with health department standards.

Facility Operations

Events Mgmt@de Young Museum operates as part of the museum's visitor services, providing cafe amenities to guests exploring the renowned art collections. Located in Golden Gate Park's museum district, the facility serves as an important dining option for tourists and locals visiting the cultural institution. This marks the first recorded inspection for the establishment in the city's database, making it difficult to establish patterns or compare with previous compliance history. The conditional pass status requires follow-up monitoring to ensure all violations are properly addressed and corrected within the specified timeframe. The restaurant can continue serving the public while implementing corrective measures, including pest control services, enhanced cleaning protocols, and improved temperature monitoring systems to prevent future violations during subsequent inspections.