Corzetti Gets Conditional Pass Despite Temperature Violations

Corzetti, the Italian restaurant located at 386 Geary Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on August 29, 2025. While the restaurant can continue operating, inspectors identified temperature control violations that require immediate correction. The inspection revealed multiple cold-held food items stored at unsafe temperatures, triggering food safety protocols. Health department inspector John Wells documented temperatures well above the required refrigeration standards during his visit from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM.

Temperature Violations Discovered

During this inspection, inspectors found several perishable items stored at dangerously high temperatures. Fresh mozzarella and pork were measured at 52°F inside the pizza preparation cooler, while stracciatella cheese registered 47°F. Additional violations included Caesar dressing and green ricotta cheese both at 48°F, along with aioli sauce also at 48°F, all stored in the undercounter cooler door at the far north end of the main island cooler. The restaurant management voluntarily discarded all improperly stored items immediately upon discovery. This proactive response demonstrated cooperation with health department protocols, though it represented a significant loss of ingredients for the busy Italian establishment near Powell St BART/Muni. Inspector Wells noted that the original violation from a previous inspection conducted on August 7, 2025, had not been fully corrected, indicating ongoing challenges with the restaurant's refrigeration systems. The California Retail Food Code requires cold-held foods to be maintained at 41°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.

Food Safety Implications

Temperature abuse represents one of the most serious food safety risks in restaurant operations, causing approximately 63% of foodborne illness outbreaks according to health department data. Foods held between 41°F and 135°F enter the "danger zone" where harmful bacteria like Clostridium perfringens can multiply rapidly. The violations cited under California Retail Food Code Section 113996 and 114037 specifically address proper hot and cold holding temperatures. Listeria, a particularly dangerous pathogen, can continue growing even at refrigeration temperatures, making proper temperature control critical for establishments serving fresh cheeses and prepared foods.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the violations, Corzetti remains open for business while addressing the refrigeration issues. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue serving customers in the busy Tenderloin corridor while working to resolve the temperature control problems. Restaurant manager Tali Missirlian received the inspection report and accepted responsibility for implementing corrective measures. The establishment must demonstrate proper temperature maintenance before the next scheduled follow-up inspection on September 5, 2025.

Previous Inspection History

The restaurant's inspection history shows this was a reinspection following earlier violations. A subsequent reinspection on September 11, 2025, resulted in a full pass, indicating successful resolution of the temperature control issues. Located near major transit connections including Powell St BART and multiple bus lines, Corzetti serves a diverse clientele in one of San Francisco's most densely populated neighborhoods. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, including the fresh pasta and cheese products that were affected by the temperature violations. The conditional pass classification allows restaurants to continue operating while addressing specific violations, provided they pose no immediate public health emergency. This measured approach balances public safety with the economic realities facing San Francisco's restaurant industry.