Subway Tenderloin Gets Conditional Pass After Minor Violations

Subway in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a September 9 health department reinspection, marking progress in addressing operational issues while allowing the restaurant to continue serving customers. The popular sandwich chain location near Powell St BART station demonstrated cooperation with health officials in correcting violations identified during the follow-up inspection.

Inspection Details

Inspector Michael Mooney conducted the reinspection from 12:20 PM to 12:40 PM, documenting three violations including one major issue that was corrected on-site and two minor plumbing concerns. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to remain operational while addressing the remaining minor violations within the required timeframe. The most significant violation involved temperature control of potentially hazardous foods at serving lines. Inspector observations revealed elevated temperatures in prepared items including cooked eggs at 56.5°F, peppers at 48.3°F, tuna salad at 45.7°F, and cooked chicken at 44.7°F. The refrigeration unit's digital display showed 54°F, well above safe holding temperatures. Restaurant management immediately contacted a licensed technician for equipment servicing and implemented corrective measures during this inspection.

Minor Violations Addressed

Two minor plumbing violations were documented involving improper backflow prevention for the soda machine drainage system. The waste water lines were observed resting below the rim of the floor sink, requiring installation of a minimum one-inch air gap to meet health code standards. This repeat violation indicates an ongoing maintenance issue that requires permanent correction. Hand washing procedures also required attention during the inspection. An employee was observed putting on gloves after switching tasks without proper hand washing. When initially asked to wash hands, the employee rinsed for only three seconds. The inspector provided additional guidance, and the employee then properly completed the 15-second hand washing requirement with soap.

Restaurant Operations Continue

The conditional pass classification allows Subway to maintain normal operations while completing required corrections. Temperature control issues were addressed immediately during the inspection through equipment servicing and implementation of proper food handling protocols. The restaurant's person in charge demonstrated understanding of food safety requirements and took immediate action to resolve violations.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection follows a routine inspection conducted on September 3, when the restaurant received a standard pass result. The previous inspection showed the facility operating within health code requirements, making the recent temperature control issues a notable departure from typical operations. The Tenderloin location's inspection record demonstrates the restaurant's general compliance with health regulations. The current conditional pass reflects temporary operational challenges rather than systemic food safety problems. Restaurant management's prompt response to temperature violations and immediate equipment servicing shows commitment to maintaining health standards.

Next Steps for Compliance

Health department officials will monitor the restaurant's progress in addressing the minor plumbing violations. The conditional pass requires completion of all corrections within the specified timeframe to maintain operating status. The restaurant must ensure proper backflow prevention installation and continue demonstrating proper food temperature control protocols. Customers can continue dining at the Tenderloin Subway location with confidence that food safety issues were addressed during the inspection process. The restaurant's cooperation with health officials and immediate response to violations demonstrates commitment to providing safe food service in the busy downtown area.