Ling Ling Cuisine Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Issues

Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant in Visitacion Valley received a conditional pass during its December 3rd health inspection, allowing the Chinese restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations. The routine inspection found 11 total violations, with six corrected immediately on-site through inspector guidance and education. The establishment at 2517 San Bruno Avenue, accessible via the T-Third Muni line, can remain open to diners as it works to correct the remaining issues within the required timeframe. Health inspectors noted that while multiple violations were identified, most were minor operational matters that posed limited risk to public safety.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials discovered one critical violation involving improper food storage, where raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat lotus in water without proper covering. This cross-contamination risk was immediately corrected through inspector education about proper food separation protocols. Five major violations were also identified, including the absence of a sanitizer bucket at the main kitchen area and improper storage of food items on the drainboard of the three-compartment sink. Inspectors found large bowls of meat and noodles stored inappropriately, which could compromise food safety standards. The restaurant's food safety manager certification had also expired, requiring renewal within 30 days. The remaining five minor violations involved maintenance and storage issues throughout the facility. Kitchen utensils were improperly stored in hand wash sinks, while three boxes of tofu were found sitting directly on the wet floor of the walk-in refrigerator instead of being elevated the required six inches. Cardboard was being used inappropriately on floors and shelves, and wet wiping cloths were stored on food preparation surfaces.

Operational Improvements

Restaurant staff demonstrated willingness to address violations immediately, with inspectors providing hands-on education about proper food handling procedures. The facility lacked approved chemical test strips for monitoring sanitizer concentration, and bowls were being used inappropriately to scoop bulk food items including rice, chicken, and flour. Maintenance issues included grease and debris buildup on exhaust hood filters, presenting both fire hazard and contamination risks. These operational improvements, while necessary for full compliance, do not prevent the restaurant from continuing to serve customers safely during the correction period.

Restaurant Operations

The Visitacion Valley establishment, owned by Ying Hui Song Corporation, has been serving the community from its San Bruno Avenue location. This marks the restaurant's first documented health inspection in the city database, providing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. Customers can continue dining at Ling Ling Cuisine while the restaurant addresses the outstanding violations. The conditional pass status indicates that while improvements are needed, the violations do not pose immediate health risks requiring closure. The restaurant must demonstrate correction of all outstanding issues during a follow-up inspection to achieve full compliance. Health inspectors emphasized that the violations found were primarily related to procedural compliance and facility maintenance rather than active contamination or serious food safety threats. The establishment's cooperation during the inspection process and immediate correction of multiple violations demonstrates commitment to meeting health department standards.