Mission Chinese Food SF Closed for Dead Mice and Cockroaches

Mission Chinese Food SF, the popular Chinese restaurant in the Mission District, was forced to close by health inspectors after a follow-up inspection revealed dead mice and cockroaches throughout the kitchen, along with dangerous food storage violations that put customers at serious risk. Health inspectors conducting this inspection on August 25 at the 2234 Mission Street location near 24th St Mission BART discovered a dead mouse on a sticky trap under a storage rack and two dead cockroaches on traps positioned under equipment in the dry storage room and warewash sink area. The gruesome findings forced immediate closure of the establishment.

Critical Food Safety Violations

Beyond the rodent and pest issues, inspectors found cooked fried chicken stored at dangerous temperatures of 49-50 degrees Fahrenheit in a malfunctioning prep cooler, well above the required 41-degree safety threshold. The chicken had been cooked the previous day, creating serious concerns about bacterial growth and foodborne illness risks for customers. Inspectors also discovered rice noodles left out overnight at 73 degrees Fahrenheit on top of prep equipment. The operator admitted these were leftovers from the previous day that would not be used, but their presence indicated poor food safety protocols. Additionally, mapo sauce containing mushrooms was being held at room temperature at 52 degrees, pulled from refrigeration that morning but not actively in use. The inspection revealed that multiple doors throughout the facility were left open, providing easy entry points for pests despite monthly pest control services. The most recent pest control report was dated August 12, suggesting the rodent infestation developed rapidly or was not properly addressed.

Widespread Cleanliness Issues

Inspectors documented extensive grease and debris accumulation throughout the kitchen, including on prep cooler hinges and gaskets, floors, backsplashes, and hood filters, particularly near the deep fryer. Grease buildup was also found on piping near warewash sinks, creating ideal conditions for attracting more pests. The facility showed signs of equipment deterioration, with inspectors ordering the replacement of a rice cooker in the front prep room that appeared to be chipping away where it contacted food. Tape was improperly applied to prep coolers and walk-in cooler light switches, violating health code requirements for equipment maintenance.

Previous Inspection History

The closure comes after the restaurant had been operating under scrutiny, with a September 9 reinspection that resulted in only a conditional pass due to ongoing cleanliness violations involving nonfood contact surfaces. This pattern suggests persistent food safety management issues at the popular Chinese restaurant. Mission Chinese Food SF must address all critical violations and pass a reinspection before reopening to the public. The restaurant is required to repair the malfunctioning prep cooler, implement proper pest exclusion measures, improve cleaning protocols, and demonstrate sustained compliance with food safety regulations. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent food safety practices in San Francisco's competitive restaurant scene, particularly in the busy Mission District where dining establishments serve thousands of customers daily near transit hubs and residential areas.