Pizza Joint Closed for Baking Trays in Mop Sink Violation

Pizza Joint on Balboa Street has been forced to close its doors after San Francisco health inspectors discovered baking trays contaminated in the facility's mop sink during a follow-up inspection on August 19, 2025. The Outer Richmond restaurant failed the inspection with five violations, including one critical violation that prompted immediate closure. The most disturbing discovery came when Inspector Jessica Jang found baking trays - equipment used to prepare food for customers - stored directly in the mop sink where dirty water and cleaning chemicals are disposed. Health officials ordered staff to relocate and thoroughly wash and sanitize all contaminated trays before any future use. This violation alone represents a serious contamination risk, as mop sinks harbor dangerous bacteria and chemical residues that can cause severe foodborne illness.

Critical Temperature and Sanitation Failures

Beyond the contaminated baking equipment, inspectors documented multiple food safety failures that put customers at risk. The restaurant's sandwich prep refrigeration unit was maintaining dangerous temperatures between 46 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the required 41-degree maximum for potentially hazardous foods. This temperature range creates ideal conditions for rapid bacterial growth, particularly dangerous pathogens like Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella. Staff were forced to relocate all refrigerated items to properly functioning equipment during the inspection. The unit also showed signs of ice buildup, indicating mechanical problems that compromise food safety. Without proper refrigeration, customers could have been exposed to foods contaminated with life-threatening bacteria. The restaurant also failed to maintain proper sanitizer concentration at food prep areas, leaving surfaces inadequately disinfected. Inspector Jang had to instruct employees on proper sanitizer preparation, a basic food safety requirement that prevents cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Structural and Operational Violations

Paint was peeling from walls near the three-compartment sink and handwashing station, creating unsanitary conditions where food debris and bacteria can accumulate. Health officials ordered the deteriorated surfaces to be replaced with durable, easy-to-clean materials that meet health code standards. The pizza restaurant, located near the 38 Geary bus line, also lacked proper time labels for pizza and sandwiches displayed for customer service. While staff claimed items were discarded after three hours to serve the lunch rush for nearby students, the absence of required time tracking creates dangerous uncertainty about food freshness and safety.

First-Time Inspection Failure

This marks Pizza Joint's first recorded health inspection, making the severity of violations particularly concerning for a new establishment. The facility has no previous inspection history to indicate whether these problems represent ongoing issues or recent lapses in food safety protocols. This inspection was conducted as a follow-up visit, suggesting prior concerns prompted the health department's scrutiny. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, as management must address all violations and pass a reinspection before resuming operations. Local diners in the Outer Richmond should be aware that the restaurant posed serious health risks through temperature violations, contaminated equipment issues, and inadequate sanitation practices before its closure.