Fort Point Beer Company Closed for Fruit Flies, Temperature

Fort Point Beer Company in San Francisco's Mission District was forced to close its doors Tuesday after health inspectors discovered a disturbing fruit fly infestation throughout the food preparation areas and bar, along with dangerous temperature violations that put customers at serious risk of foodborne illness. The popular brewery located at 742 Valencia Street near 24th Street Mission BART failed its routine inspection on September 10, with inspectors finding fruit flies actively swarming both the kitchen and bar areas where food and beverages were being prepared for customers.

Critical Health Violations Found

The most serious violation involved fruit flies contaminating food service areas. Inspector Carlos Barragan observed the insects buzzing around food preparation surfaces and the bar during the afternoon inspection period. The presence of these pests poses significant health risks as fruit flies can carry bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, transferring these pathogens directly to food and drink surfaces. Adding to the health concerns, inspectors discovered a garlic-in-oil mixture being stored at a dangerous 47 degrees Fahrenheit in an inadequate ice bath. This temperature violation created ideal conditions for botulism growth, a potentially deadly toxin that thrives in oxygen-free environments like oil-based preparations when not properly refrigerated. The combination of pest contamination and temperature abuse meant customers dining at the Valencia Street location were potentially exposed to multiple foodborne pathogens during their visits. Botulism from improperly stored garlic oil can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, while fruit fly contamination introduces various bacterial infections.

Additional Safety Concerns

Beyond the critical violations, this inspection revealed several other concerning issues. The restaurant failed to provide required consumer advisories for raw or undercooked menu items, leaving customers unaware of potential risks when ordering items like rare beef or undercooked eggs. Inspectors also found medicines improperly stored in food preparation areas, specifically discovering an ibuprofen container at the bar where drinks were being prepared. This violation was corrected on-site when staff removed the pharmaceuticals from the food service area. Plumbing deficiencies added another layer of concern, with inspectors noting inadequate air gaps at the bar's waste water lines. Without proper drainage separation, contaminated water could potentially back up into clean water systems used for food and beverage preparation.

First-Time Offender in Mission District

Fort Point Beer Company has no previous inspection history on record, making this their first documented encounter with San Francisco's Department of Public Health. The brewery's failure on their inaugural inspection raises questions about staff training and food safety protocols at the Mission establishment. The closure affects dining options near the busy 24th Street corridor, where locals and visitors frequently seek craft beer and food options. The restaurant industry in the Mission District has faced increased scrutiny from health inspectors, with several establishments experiencing violations related to pest control and temperature management in recent months. Fort Point Beer Company must work with approved pest control services to eliminate the fruit fly problem and implement proper temperature monitoring systems before they can reopen. The Department of Public Health has not yet indicated when re-inspection will occur, leaving the Valencia Street location closed indefinitely.