SF Miyako Ice Cream Closed for Mouse Droppings Found by Food

Health inspectors closed Miyako Ice Cream on Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights after discovering mouse droppings under refrigeration equipment used for food preparation, according to this inspection conducted on August 25, 2025. The San Francisco Department of Public Health shut down the ice cream shop at 1470 Fillmore Street after inspector Jesus Zapien found mouse droppings under a deli prep refrigerator located directly next to the beverage refrigerator. The discovery of rodent contamination in food preparation areas posed immediate health risks to customers who frequent the popular Pacific Heights establishment.

Health Violations Found

During the follow-up inspection that began at 11:30 AM, inspectors documented multiple violations that forced the immediate closure. The most serious violation involved active rodent infestation, with mouse droppings found in critical food preparation areas. Health officials noted that mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The inspection also revealed food and debris scattered on floors, walls, and kitchen equipment throughout the facility. This combination of poor sanitation and rodent presence created conditions that could lead to serious foodborne illness outbreaks among customers. Inspector Zapien ordered the facility to obtain professional pest control services from a licensed operator and to clean and sanitize all contaminated areas using chlorine sanitizing solutions. The restaurant must also seal all holes, gaps, and cracks to prevent future rodent entry before considering reopening.

Inspection Details

The August 25 inspection was classified as a follow-up visit, suggesting previous compliance issues at the establishment. During the one-hour inspection from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, inspectors cited two violations - one critical and one minor - that resulted in an immediate failure and closure order. The critical violation for "No Insects, Rodents, Birds or Nonservice Animals" carries severe health implications. According to health department guidelines, rodents can spread plague and leptospirosis, while their droppings contaminate surfaces with bacteria that cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The facility received Thomas Bennett as the representative during the inspection, working with inspector Jesus Zapien who can be contacted at jesus.zapien@sfdph.org for compliance questions.

Previous Inspection History

Miyako Ice Cream has a troubling recent inspection record. Following the August closure, the restaurant attempted to reopen but failed a reinspection on October 2, 2025, indicating ongoing compliance problems that prevented the facility from meeting basic health standards. This pattern of repeated failures suggests systemic issues with food safety protocols and facility maintenance at the Pacific Heights location. The restaurant remains closed pending successful completion of all required remediation efforts.

Neighborhood Impact

The closure affects residents and visitors in Pacific Heights who relied on the Fillmore Street ice cream shop, particularly those using nearby Fillmore bus lines for transportation to the area. The facility's continued closure removes a local dining option until management can demonstrate full compliance with health regulations. Customers who visited the establishment before the August 25 closure should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers and report potential food poisoning to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The restaurant remains closed with no announced reopening date as management works to address the serious sanitation and pest control violations that led to the shutdown.