Twin Peaks Pizza Gets Conditional Pass for Hot Water Issues

Twin Peaks Pizza and Pasta in Glen Park received a conditional pass during its November 24 reinspection, successfully addressing previous vermin issues but requiring immediate attention to hot water temperature problems and expired food handler certifications before achieving full compliance. The pizza and pasta restaurant at 1681 Church Street demonstrated significant improvement from its previous inspection, with health officials noting that vermin issues had been corrected and the facility was properly cleaned. However, the reinspection revealed ongoing infrastructure and administrative issues that require prompt correction to maintain safe food service operations.

Hot Water Temperature Violations

The most pressing concern identified during this inspection involves insufficient hot water temperatures throughout the kitchen. Health inspectors measured water temperatures of only 109°F at the prep sink and 110-111°F at the three-compartment sink, significantly below the required 120°F standard mandated by California health codes. This violation poses serious food safety risks, as proper hot water temperature is essential for effective dishwashing sanitization and adequate handwashing protocols. Without sufficient heat, harmful bacteria and viruses that cause foodborne illness can survive on dishes, utensils, and food contact surfaces. The restaurant operator informed inspectors that a repair technician was already working on the hot water system but had not yet completed the necessary repairs. Health officials have given Twin Peaks Pizza until close of business on December 1, 2025, to restore proper hot water temperature and contact the inspector to verify completion before scheduling a follow-up reinspection.

Food Handler Certification Issues

The inspection also revealed deficiencies in employee food handler certifications, a critical component of restaurant food safety programs. Several food handler cards posted at the facility had expired, and one employee actively handling food lacked certification entirely. California retail food code requires all employees involved in food preparation, service, and warewashing to maintain current food handler certifications. The restaurant has been given 30 days to obtain or renew all necessary certifications and ensure they remain readily available for inspection.

Operational Status and Community Impact

Despite these violations, Twin Peaks Pizza and Pasta remains open and continues serving customers in the Glen Park neighborhood. The conditional pass status allows the restaurant to operate while addressing the identified issues, reflecting the non-critical nature of the violations found. Located near Glen Park BART, the establishment serves as a convenient dining option for local residents and transit users seeking pizza and pasta options in the area. The restaurant's ability to quickly resolve previous vermin issues demonstrates management's commitment to maintaining health standards.

Next Steps for Compliance

The inspection timeline requires swift action from restaurant management. By December 1st, the facility must complete hot water system repairs and notify health officials for verification. The 30-day window for updating food handler certifications provides adequate time for staff training and certification renewal. Inspector Katie Dea conducted the reinspection from 3:05 PM to 3:40 PM, documenting both the successful correction of previous violations and the new issues requiring attention. The facility received the inspection report with clear directives for achieving full compliance. Twin Peaks Pizza and Pasta's conditional status reflects a restaurant actively working toward full health code compliance while maintaining safe operations for its Glen Park customers.