Alamo School Closed for Hot Water, Equipment Violations

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has ordered the closure of Alamo School's food service operation in the Outer Richmond following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed critical violations including inadequate hot water temperatures and contaminated equipment. Located at 250 23rd Avenue near the 38 Geary bus line, the school's food service failed this inspection on August 25, 2025, after inspector Jessica Jang discovered multiple health code violations during a follow-up visit that lasted from 11:00 AM to 11:35 AM.

Critical Temperature Violations

The most serious violation involved the facility's hot water system, which was operating at a dangerously low 112 degrees Fahrenheit - eight degrees below the required minimum of 120 degrees. This temperature deficiency poses significant health risks, as proper handwashing and dish sanitization require water heated to at least 120 degrees to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses that cause foodborne illness. Without adequate hot water temperatures, the school's kitchen cannot properly sanitize dishes or maintain the hygiene standards necessary to prevent the spread of pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus among students and staff. The California Retail Food Code Section 114192 mandates hot water availability at proper temperatures specifically to prevent these health hazards.

Equipment Contamination Issues

Inspectors also discovered significant equipment issues that posed additional health risks. The facility's upright one-door refrigerator had a fan unit completely covered with dust accumulation, creating an unsanitary condition that could contaminate food stored in the unit. This violation was cited twice in the inspection report, indicating the severity of the contamination. The dust-covered refrigerator fan represents a serious breach of food safety protocols, as airborne contaminants can easily transfer to food surfaces and packaging. The inspector ordered immediate cleaning and sanitization of the equipment under California Retail Food Code Sections 114130 and 114160. Additionally, inspectors found an exposed hole with insulation visible in the mop sink area, creating another potential contamination source. The facility was ordered to seal the opening with durable, easy-to-clean, non-absorbent materials, with specific instructions not to use spray foam.

Management Certification Deficiency

The inspection also revealed that the facility lacked proper food safety manager certification on-site, though a food handler's card was available. This violation is particularly concerning for a school environment, as certified food safety managers are trained to prevent the types of violations found during this inspection. Research shows that facilities with certified food safety managers experience 60% fewer critical violations, as these professionals understand proper temperature control, contamination prevention, and hygiene protocols essential for safe food service operations.

Positive Findings Overshadowed

While the inspection did note some positive aspects - including proper refrigeration temperatures below 41 degrees, adequate hot-holding temperatures above 135 degrees, no signs of vermin activity, and proper sanitizer concentration - these achievements were overshadowed by the critical violations that led to the facility's closure. The closure affects the Outer Richmond school community, where families rely on safe food service for their children. The facility remains closed with no reopening date announced, and school administrators must address all violations and receive approval from the health department before resuming food service operations. Inspector Jessica Jang can be contacted regarding required documentation and compliance verification as the school works to remedy these serious health code violations and restore safe food service for students and staff.