Tenderloin Bakery Closed for Cockroaches & Rodent Droppings

A Tenderloin bakery was immediately shut down by San Francisco health inspectors on August 26 after discovering a severe pest infestation that contaminated food throughout the facility. Zero&, 0&, Hanabi, Hanabi Cakes near Powell St BART failed this inspection with multiple critical violations that posed immediate health risks to customers. Inspector Carlos Barragan documented shocking conditions during the routine inspection, finding live cockroaches crawling on food equipment gaskets and dead roaches inside a citrus cooler where beverages were stored. The pest problem extended throughout the facility, with rodents leaving droppings on bags of sugar, salt containers, and storage shelving areas.

Critical Health Violations Found

The most alarming discovery involved contaminated food supplies that customers would have consumed. Inspectors found rodent droppings on top of a plastic bag of salt that showed clear gnaw marks from mice or rats. The contaminated salt was voluntarily discarded during the inspection, but the extensive evidence of rodent activity suggested ongoing contamination of food preparation areas. Live cockroaches were observed on the gaskets of two reach-in coolers where perishable ingredients were stored, creating direct contact between pests and food surfaces. Additional dead cockroaches were discovered inside a citrus cooler, indicating the infestation had penetrated food storage equipment. More live roaches were found adjacent to the ice machine, contaminating areas where beverages and frozen treats were prepared. The rodent problem proved equally extensive, with droppings found adjacent to to-go cups, on open plastic wrap containers used for food packaging, and scattered beneath equipment throughout the kitchen. Storage shelving areas showed signs of ongoing rodent activity, suggesting the infestation had been present for an extended period.

Handwashing Violations

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors documented serious handwashing violations that compounded health risks. One handwashing sink near the dishwashing area was completely inoperable, marked with a sign warning staff not to use it. This violation left employees without adequate facilities to maintain proper hygiene while handling food. Inspectors also observed an employee washing hands at a food preparation sink rather than designated handwashing facilities, violating basic food safety protocols that prevent cross-contamination between hand cleaning and food preparation areas.

Health Risks to Customers

The violations posed severe health risks to bakery customers. Mice produce approximately 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and 6 parasitic worms, spreading diseases through direct contact with food and preparation surfaces. Customers purchasing baked goods, beverages, or other products from the facility would have been exposed to surfaces and ingredients contaminated by pest activity. The compromised handwashing facilities further increased contamination risks as employees could not maintain proper hygiene standards.

Previous Inspection History

This marks the first documented health inspection for the facility, suggesting either a new business or recent change in ownership. The severity of violations discovered indicates systemic problems with pest control and basic sanitation that developed over time without regulatory oversight. The bakery remains closed pending a reinspection that will verify elimination of the pest infestation and repair of handwashing facilities. Health officials require the facility to contract licensed pest control services before considering reopening.