SF Taqueria Receives Conditional Pass for Cockroach Control

Taqueria Mana Inc on Stockton Street received a conditional pass during its November 25 health inspection, showing measurable progress in addressing a cockroach infestation while still requiring additional pest control measures. The Chinatown Mexican restaurant can continue operating while completing the remaining corrective actions. Health inspector Sophia Huie found significantly fewer cockroaches compared to previous observations, along with newly installed sticky traps throughout the facility during this inspection. However, the inspection revealed ongoing structural issues that continue to provide harborage areas for pests, preventing the restaurant from receiving a full pass.

Inspection Details

The reinspection at 439 Stockton Street documented one critical violation under California Retail Food Code Section 114259 regarding insects, rodents, birds, and animals. Inspector observations showed the restaurant's pest control efforts are producing results, with sticky traps containing "significantly less dead and live cockroaches" than during previous visits. Despite the improvement, inspectors identified specific structural problems that must be addressed to achieve full compliance. Small gaps around the door frame leading to the kitchen in the back storage room continue to provide entry points for pests. Additionally, a loose FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) panel on the back wall of the kitchen creates potential harborage areas where cockroaches can hide and reproduce. The inspector noted that while cockroach populations have decreased, "infestation not fully eliminated" due to these remaining access points. The restaurant operator must continue current pest control measures while sealing all openings to prevent future infestations.

Health Violation Context

Cockroach infestations pose significant health risks in food service establishments. According to health department guidance, cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, making their presence a serious food safety concern. The insects can contaminate food preparation surfaces, utensils, and ingredients through direct contact and waste products. The conditional pass status allows Taqueria Mana Inc to remain open while addressing the remaining structural issues. This designation recognizes the restaurant's progress in reducing pest populations while acknowledging that additional work is needed to eliminate the problem entirely.

Compliance Timeline

Inspectors have scheduled a follow-up inspection for December 16, 2025, giving the restaurant approximately three weeks to complete the necessary repairs and continue pest control efforts. The facility must seal the door frame gaps and secure the loose FRP panel to eliminate remaining harborage areas. During the inspection window from 10:15 to 10:45 AM, inspector Huie worked with facility representative Yesenia Cornejo to identify specific corrective actions. The restaurant's proactive approach to installing sticky traps demonstrates management's commitment to resolving the pest control issue. Located near the Montgomery St BART station, the Stockton Street location serves the busy Chinatown district where foot traffic and nearby construction can contribute to pest pressure. The restaurant's phone number (415) 421-3781 remains active for customer inquiries about operating status and menu availability. The facility's willingness to implement recommended pest control measures while addressing structural vulnerabilities shows a systematic approach to achieving full health code compliance during the upcoming reinspection period.