Mission Food Center Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issue

Mission Food Center, Inc in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during its September 9th reinspection, allowing the establishment to remain open while addressing minor pest control issues discovered by health inspectors. During this inspection, conducted between 11:00 AM and 11:35 AM, Inspector Katie Dea identified rodent droppings near boxes of candy in the retail area. The violation was immediately corrected on site, with affected areas cleaned and sanitization procedures initiated during the inspection visit.

Inspection Details

The reinspection focused on the facility's ongoing efforts to eliminate all signs of rodents, following previous inspection findings. Inspector Dea observed dusty candy boxes with evidence of rodent activity, triggering violation #23 under California Retail Food Code Section 114259 regarding pest control requirements. The inspector's report emphasized the importance of continuing work with licensed pest control operators to completely eliminate rodent evidence from the facility. Specific recommendations included removing all signs of pest activity, cleaning and sanitizing affected areas, inspecting for entry points, and maintaining proper facility enclosure to prevent future infestations. Mission Food Center demonstrated immediate responsiveness by beginning cleaning and sanitization procedures during the inspection. This corrective action on site contributed to the conditional pass status, allowing continued operations while addressing the underlying pest control concerns.

Health Safety Context

Rodent infestations pose significant health risks in food service environments. Mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and hantavirus. The inspector's findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining pest-free environments, especially in retail food areas where products are directly accessible to customers. The violation documentation specifically noted requirements to keep the facility clean and dry to prevent fly attraction, maintain proper door closure protocols, and work continuously with professional pest control services to prevent future incidents.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection followed a previous conditional pass on August 21st, when inspectors identified multiple violations including issues with hand washing facilities, temperature control, and hot and cold water availability. The facility's inspection pattern shows ongoing efforts to achieve full compliance with San Francisco health regulations. The Tenderloin location, situated near Powell St BART/Muni transit connections, serves both neighborhood residents and commuters passing through the area. The facility operates as both a restaurant and retail food establishment, requiring compliance with multiple food safety standards.

Moving Forward

Mission Food Center can continue serving customers while implementing enhanced pest control measures. The conditional pass status requires ongoing collaboration with licensed pest control operators and continued vigilance in maintaining clean, pest-free environments throughout the facility. Future compliance will depend on the establishment's ability to completely eliminate rodent evidence and prevent reoccurrence through improved facility maintenance and professional pest management protocols. The next inspection will evaluate progress on these corrective measures and determine if full compliance has been achieved.