Tsings Chinese Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass for Rat Issue

Tsings Chinese Restaurant in West Portal received a conditional pass during a reinspection on August 26, 2025, allowing the popular Chinese eatery to continue serving customers while addressing minor pest control issues that require attention but do not warrant closure. Health inspector William Bajjalieh conducted the 20-minute reinspection at the restaurant located at 361 West Portal Avenue, discovering rat droppings in the upstairs water heater room. The violation was classified as critical but correctable, reflecting the restaurant's proactive approach to pest management and the minor nature of the issue relative to food service areas.

Inspection Details

The inspector documented one critical violation related to the presence of rodent evidence, specifically noting "observed rat droppings upstairs in the water heater room" during this inspection. However, the restaurant demonstrated ongoing pest control efforts, with a receipt from Bay Area Pest Control dated August 18, 2025, showing recent professional treatment just eight days before the inspection. The conditional pass status indicates that while the violation requires immediate attention, it does not pose an immediate threat to public health that would necessitate closing the establishment. The restaurant can continue normal operations while implementing the required corrective measures outlined by the health department.

Required Corrections

Inspector Bajjalieh provided specific guidance for addressing the pest issue, directing restaurant management to "clean and sanitize the remaining affected areas and place a wire mesh screen at the bottom of the air shaft." These targeted corrections focus on preventing future rodent access rather than addressing widespread contamination, suggesting the problem is contained and manageable. The violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, and non-service animals in food establishments. The repeat classification indicates this issue was previously identified, but the restaurant's recent pest control service demonstrates active efforts to resolve the problem.

Operational Impact

The conditional pass allows Tsings Chinese Restaurant to maintain normal business hours while addressing the minor infrastructure improvements needed to prevent future rodent intrusion. The violation's location in the water heater room, away from food preparation and dining areas, minimizes the immediate impact on food safety operations. Located near the West Portal Muni station, the restaurant serves the busy West Portal neighborhood and can continue providing its popular Chinese cuisine to local residents and commuters. The establishment's phone number, (415) 810-7297, remains active for reservations and takeout orders.

Follow-Up Requirements

The health department will likely conduct a follow-up inspection to verify completion of the required corrections, including proper sanitization of affected areas and installation of the wire mesh screening. The restaurant's recent pest control service and inspector's specific remediation instructions suggest a clear path forward for achieving full compliance. The conditional pass reflects the San Francisco Department of Public Health's approach to working with restaurants to address correctable violations while maintaining public safety standards. This collaborative enforcement helps businesses maintain operations while ensuring proper food safety protocols.