SF Mission Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass for Ice, Rodent Issues

Reem's Mission in the Mission District received a conditional pass during its November 26 health inspection after inspectors discovered minor violations including ice buildup in refrigeration equipment and rodent droppings in kitchen areas. The restaurant at 2901 Mission Street can continue serving customers while addressing the correctable issues identified during the routine inspection. Inspector Tiombe Wiley, conducting a joint inspection with T. Tieu, found an accumulation of ice on the walk-in refrigerator located on the left side of the facility near the warewash area. While the gaskets were noted to be in good condition, the inspector recommended regular defrosting, monitoring ice accumulation, and having the unit serviced as necessary to prevent future buildup.

Inspection Details

The most significant finding during this inspection involved rodent droppings discovered on the kitchen flooring underneath the upright freezer in the back corner. The droppings appeared to be old, indicating the issue was not recent. Additional rodent droppings were found in the basement area underneath the staircase. Inspectors also identified a possible entry point in the basement between plywood and a white drain line, where the gap appeared larger than the required quarter-inch maximum. The inspector provided specific remediation instructions, requiring removal of all rodent droppings from the mentioned areas and follow-up with a mild bleach solution for proper sanitization. The conditional pass classification allows the restaurant to maintain normal operations while implementing the necessary corrections. Both violations cited fall under California Retail Food Code Section 114130 and 114160, which govern equipment approval, cleanliness, installation, proper repair, and capacity requirements.

Equipment Maintenance Requirements

The ice accumulation violation highlights the importance of regular refrigeration maintenance in commercial food service operations. Proper temperature control is critical for food safety, and ice buildup can compromise the efficiency of refrigeration units and potentially affect food storage temperatures. The inspector's notation that gaskets remained in good condition suggests the ice issue stems from defrost cycle problems rather than seal failures. Regular monitoring and professional servicing can prevent similar accumulation in the future and ensure consistent food safety standards.

Pest Control Measures

The rodent droppings discovery, while concerning, appeared to be from previous activity rather than an active infestation. The inspector's identification of a potential entry point provides the restaurant with specific guidance for preventing future pest issues through proper facility maintenance and gap sealing. Effective pest control in food service establishments requires both immediate cleanup and long-term prevention strategies. The inspector's detailed recommendations provide a clear path forward for maintaining a pest-free environment.

Restaurant Operations

Reem's Mission continues normal operations following the conditional pass, demonstrating that the violations identified pose minimal immediate risk to public health. The Mission District establishment serves customers while implementing the required corrections under health department oversight. The inspection represents the restaurant's first recorded health department visit, providing an initial baseline for future compliance monitoring. Follow-up inspections will verify completion of the required corrections and ensure ongoing adherence to food safety standards. Restaurant management received specific timelines for addressing each violation, with emphasis on immediate cleanup of rodent droppings and prompt attention to refrigeration maintenance needs.