Brochette Dumpling Closed for Ice Machine Contamination Issues

Brochette Dumpling, a restaurant located at 31 Cambon Drive in Parkside, has been ordered closed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed multiple critical health violations. The August 13 inspection, conducted between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, uncovered contamination issues that posed immediate risks to public health.

Critical Ice Machine Contamination

The most alarming discovery during this inspection was a yellowish residue found coating the interior of the restaurant's ice machine. Health inspectors mandated that the establishment immediately wash, rinse, and sanitize the ice machine on a regular basis when no ice is present to prevent further contamination. This violation represents a direct threat to customers, as contaminated ice can harbor dangerous bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. The contaminated ice machine violation was compounded by improper sanitizing practices throughout the kitchen. Inspectors observed turbid sanitizing solution in the kitchen and found no measurable sanitizing solution in the front service area during non-active food preparation periods. Proper sanitizing solutions are critical for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring food safety standards.

Equipment and Temperature Violations

Health inspectors discovered that the bottom two refrigeration drawers on the cold top in the kitchen were operating above the required 41°F temperature threshold. While no potentially hazardous foods were observed in these malfunctioning units at the time of inspection, the broken refrigeration equipment created serious risks for bacterial growth in perishable foods. The restaurant was ordered to immediately discontinue using these drawers for any potentially hazardous foods and to service the unit to maintain proper temperatures. Additional equipment violations included improperly stored scoops with handles in direct contact with food being used for dry ingredients, missing thermometers for refrigeration units, and a ventilation hood system with heavy grease accumulation that was past due for professional servicing.

Sanitation and Structural Issues

The inspection revealed extensive sanitation problems throughout the facility. Inspectors found excessive food particles and grease covering the kitchen floors, requiring full deep steam cleaning to prevent vermin attraction. Grease accumulation was also discovered on the underside of cook line equipment, creating additional contamination risks. Structural deficiencies included holes in the kitchen ceiling that could provide harborage for rodents and other pests. The facility also had improperly labeled refrigeration units in the customer area containing employee-only food without appropriate signage.

Reinspection Results

This closure came as a result of a follow-up inspection following an initial routine inspection conducted on August 4, 2025. The restaurant accumulated nine total violations during the reinspection, including one critical violation and eight minor violations. Despite some corrections made on-site during the inspection, including the preparation of proper sanitizing solutions, the facility failed to meet health department standards.

Impact on Parkside Community

The closure affects dining options in the Parkside neighborhood, an area near Stonestown Muni that relies on local restaurants for community dining. Customers who may have consumed food or beverages from the establishment should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The restaurant remains closed pending correction of all violations and approval from the health department for reopening. No reopening date has been announced.