Castro Matcha Shop Closed for Handwashing, Storage Fails

Health inspectors shuttered Oishii Matcha on Market Street in San Francisco's Castro district Monday after discovering critical violations that put customers at serious risk of foodborne illness. The popular matcha shop at 2299 Market Street Unit A failed its routine inspection when officials found employees had no access to basic handwashing supplies and were storing food products directly on contaminated floors. Inspector Katherine Tuazon arrived at the establishment during the morning rush on August 12, 2025, and immediately identified major health code violations that forced an immediate closure. The most serious infraction involved the complete absence of soap and paper towels at the handwash sink, leaving employees unable to properly sanitize their hands while preparing food and beverages for unsuspecting customers.

Critical Handwashing Violations

The lack of handwashing supplies represents a significant public health threat, as studies show only 31% of food service workers wash their hands properly when adequate supplies are unavailable. Without soap and paper towels, employees handling food, money, and surfaces throughout their shifts were spreading dangerous bacteria and viruses directly onto customer orders. This violation alone creates prime conditions for norovirus outbreaks, which can sicken hundreds of people and spread rapidly through communities. Health officials note that proper handwashing is the single most effective method of preventing foodborne illness transmission. The absence of these basic supplies at Oishii Matcha meant every beverage and food item prepared during the morning service potentially carried contamination from unwashed employee hands.

Food Storage Contamination

Inspectors also discovered improper food storage practices that violated fundamental safety protocols. Staff were storing bags of sugar and cornstarch directly on the floor, where they could absorb bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants from foot traffic, spills, and cleaning products. The inspector ordered immediate discontinuation of this practice, requiring the restaurant to transfer all ingredients to proper food-grade containers with lids and handled scoops. Floor storage of food ingredients creates multiple contamination pathways. Moisture from mopping can seep into packaging, while pest droppings, dust, and cleaning chemical residue can transfer directly to products later used in customer orders. For a matcha shop specializing in beverages and light foods, these ingredients would have been incorporated into drinks and snacks served to Castro district residents and tourists throughout the busy morning period.

Inspection Details

The inspection, conducted between 11:10 AM and 12:00 PM, resulted in two major violations that required immediate correction. Both issues were addressed on-site as inspectors worked with management to restore basic safety protocols. However, the severity of the handwashing violation prompted health officials to mandate closure until full compliance could be verified. This marks the first recorded inspection for Oishii Matcha in the department's database, indicating the establishment is relatively new to the Castro dining scene. The restaurant's location near the Castro St Muni station typically attracts heavy foot traffic from commuters and neighborhood regulars seeking quick refreshments.

Health Department Response

Inspector Tuazon documented the violations under this inspection and provided detailed remediation requirements. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance with California Retail Food Code sections 113953 and related handwashing facility requirements before reopening. As of publication, Oishii Matcha remains closed with no confirmed reopening date. Customers seeking matcha beverages in the Castro district should verify the restaurant's operational status before visiting. The health department continues monitoring compliance as the establishment works toward meeting all safety requirements for public operation.