SF Excelsior Produce Market Closed for Food Storage Violations

Guzmans Produce Market Inc in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood has been ordered to cease operations after health inspectors discovered serious food storage violations and unsanitary conditions that posed immediate health risks to customers. The establishment at 5229 Mission Street failed a follow-up inspection on August 19, 2025, resulting in its closure by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

Critical Food Storage Violations

During this inspection, conducted between 3:00 PM and 3:40 PM by inspector Japjit Deol, health officials discovered food items stored directly on the floor, a violation that exposes products to contamination from cleaning chemicals, pest droppings, and bacteria. This practice creates a direct pathway for foodborne pathogens to enter the food supply, putting customers at risk of serious illness including salmonella, E. coli, and other dangerous infections. The improper food storage violation represents a fundamental breakdown in basic food safety protocols. When food products contact floor surfaces, they become contaminated with whatever has tracked across those surfaces, including dirt from shoes, spilled cleaning chemicals, and waste from rodents or other pests. The California Retail Food Code specifically prohibits this practice because it makes food unsafe for human consumption.

Sanitation and Cleaning Deficiencies

Compounding the food storage issues, inspectors found that the facility's floors, walls and ceiling required deep cleaning. The inspection report noted significant cleanliness problems that indicated a pattern of poor sanitation practices throughout the establishment. Multiple citations were issued for the same violation, suggesting widespread problems with facility maintenance and cleaning protocols. The deteriorated condition of the facility's surfaces creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and multiply. Dirty floors and surfaces make proper sanitization impossible and provide hiding places for pests that can further contaminate food products. This creates a cycle of contamination that puts every customer who enters the establishment at risk.

Additional Health Code Violations

The inspection also revealed problems with the facility's handwashing station, where items were found stored inside the handwashing sink. This violation prevents employees from properly washing their hands, which is the most basic and critical step in preventing foodborne illness. When handwashing sinks are blocked or inaccessible, employees cannot maintain proper hygiene standards, creating additional pathways for contamination.

Neighborhood Impact and Location

The closure affects residents in the Excelsior district, located near Balboa Park BART station. The establishment, operating as both a produce market and restaurant, served a diverse community that relies on convenient access to fresh food and prepared meals. The facility's closure removes an important food source from the neighborhood while also serving as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining proper food safety standards.

Inspection History and Next Steps

This appears to be the first recorded inspection for Guzmans Produce Market Inc, making the severity of violations particularly concerning. The fact that this was a follow-up inspection suggests that previous issues had been identified, and the facility's failure to address these problems led to the closure order. The establishment remains closed with no reopening date scheduled. Before resuming operations, the facility must address all cited violations, implement proper food storage procedures, deep clean all surfaces, and ensure handwashing facilities are properly maintained. A reinspection will be required to verify that all health code violations have been corrected and that the establishment can safely serve the public. The closure serves as a reminder that even basic food establishments must maintain rigorous safety standards to protect public health in San Francisco's dining landscape.