Sweet Mango Dessert Cafe Closed for Rodent Droppings, Insects

Health inspectors have shuttered Sweet Mango Dessert & Cafe on Geary Boulevard after discovering a disturbing array of violations including dead insects, potential rodent droppings, and serious food contamination issues that posed immediate risks to public health. The Inner Richmond establishment at 5217 Geary Boulevard was forced to close during this inspection on August 21, 2025, after inspector Jessica Jang documented nine total violations, including two critical infractions that warranted immediate closure.

Critical Health Violations Force Closure

The most alarming discovery occurred behind food preparation shelves, where inspectors found dead insects, food debris, and what appeared to be rodent droppings scattered across the floors in areas where food was being prepared. This critical violation of California health code section 114259 presents severe risks to customers, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and hantavirus, while cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. Inspectors also discovered a dangerous cross-contamination situation in the walk-in cooler, where various cartons of raw eggs were stored at different shelf levels, directly mingling with ready-to-eat foods. While staff corrected this violation on-site by relocating the eggs to bottom shelves, the improper storage created significant risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination spreading to foods that customers would consume without further cooking.

Additional Safety Violations Discovered

The inspection revealed multiple additional health code violations throughout the dessert establishment. Food preparation equipment showed signs of neglect, with inspectors noting food buildup on various crepe makers and bubble waffle makers that required thorough cleaning and degreasing. The facility's sanitation practices were also compromised, with one sanitizer bucket found completely empty of sanitizer solution at a food prep station. Storage violations compounded the safety concerns, as inspectors found mango boxes stored directly on the floor rather than the required six inches above ground level. Perhaps most concerning, cans of Raid pesticide were discovered underneath the three-compartment sink, a serious violation since only licensed pest control operators should handle pesticide applications in food facilities using approved methods.

Facility Infrastructure Problems

The inspection also revealed maintenance issues that contributed to unsanitary conditions. The floor sink contained a viscous gray substance on the bottom, indicating poor drainage and cleaning practices. Walls throughout the tea brewing station showed food debris accumulation, demonstrating inadequate cleaning protocols in food preparation areas. Staff certification issues further complicated the situation, as inspectors found no valid food safety manager certification or food handler cards available on-site, a violation of basic food service requirements that ensures staff understand proper food handling procedures.

Restaurant Remains Closed

Sweet Mango Dessert & Cafe has not yet reopened following the closure, though the facility did receive a conditional pass during a reinspection on October 21, 2025. The restaurant, accessible via the 38 Geary bus line, serves desserts and cafe items in the busy Inner Richmond corridor. The closure highlights the ongoing challenges restaurants face in maintaining proper sanitation standards, particularly regarding pest control and food storage protocols. Customers who visited the establishment prior to closure may have been exposed to serious health risks from the contaminated food preparation environment. For the latest updates on restaurant inspections and reopenings in San Francisco, residents can monitor ongoing health department activities as facilities work to address violations and restore safe dining conditions.