Sushi Zen Gets Conditional Pass After Minor Violations Found

Sushi Zen, the popular Japanese restaurant located at 1041 Taraval Street in the Parkside neighborhood, received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 19, 2025. While the restaurant can continue serving customers, inspectors identified several minor violations that require prompt attention to maintain full compliance with San Francisco health codes. The Japanese establishment, conveniently located near the West Portal Muni station, demonstrated overall food safety compliance but fell short in specific areas that inspectors noted need immediate correction. The conditional pass allows Sushi Zen to remain open while addressing these correctable issues, ensuring continued service to the Parkside community.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials documented six total violations across various categories. The most serious concern involved evidence of old rodent droppings discovered in multiple locations throughout the facility, including underneath the dish machine, near the grill area, and in storage spaces. Inspectors emphasized that while this represents a critical violation, the droppings appeared old, and the restaurant's pest control service conducted by Terminix on October 28, 2025, had reported no active rodent activity. Equipment maintenance issues also drew inspector attention, particularly a malfunctioning dish sanitizer that failed to dispense proper chlorine levels. Staff were directed to use manual sanitizing methods in the three-compartment sink until repairs are completed. Additionally, inspectors observed improper handwashing practices when an employee briefly rinsed hands with water after handling raw chicken, rather than following the required 20-second washing protocol. Food safety protocols needed adjustment in several areas. Inspectors found frozen meats being thawed at room temperature, a practice that must be discontinued in favor of the four approved thawing methods. Consumer advisory warnings for raw fish dishes were missing from some menu copies, requiring the restaurant to ensure all menus properly inform customers about potential risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked seafood.

Corrective Actions Required

Restaurant management must complete several specific tasks to achieve full compliance. The facility requires a comprehensive deep cleaning and sanitization of all affected areas where rodent evidence was found. An additional pest control service must be scheduled, and all potential entry points need identification and sealing to prevent future issues. Equipment repairs are essential, with the dish sanitizer requiring immediate attention to restore proper chlorine dispensing levels of at least 50 parts per million. Staff training on proper handwashing techniques must be reinforced, and food thawing procedures need standardization to follow approved methods only. Menu compliance involves adding consumer advisory labels to all items containing raw fish, ensuring customers receive proper notification about potential health risks associated with consuming undercooked seafood products.

Restaurant History and Community Impact

Sushi Zen operates as a family-owned establishment serving the Parkside community with traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant maintains regular inspection scheduling and previously demonstrated commitment to food safety standards. Recent inspection history shows the facility working cooperatively with health officials to maintain compliance. The conditional pass status allows normal business operations while corrections are implemented. Customers can continue dining with confidence, as the violations identified are correctable maintenance and procedural issues rather than immediate health threats requiring closure. A follow-up inspection will verify completion of all required corrections, with the expectation that Sushi Zen will achieve full compliance and return to standard operating status. The restaurant's location near West Portal transit makes it a convenient dining option for residents and visitors exploring the outer Sunset district's culinary offerings.