SF SOMA Cafe Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Droppings

Cumaica Coffee at 1398 Mission Street in SOMA received a conditional pass during a September 15 reinspection, allowing the cafe to continue serving customers while addressing ongoing rodent activity discovered in storage areas. The establishment can remain open for business while implementing corrective measures to eliminate pest issues identified during this inspection.

Inspection Details

Health inspector Carlos Barragan conducted the 10:30 AM reinspection and found evidence of continued rodent activity throughout the facility. Inspectors discovered rodent droppings inside the cabinet beneath the front-of-house hand wash station and on floors in the back-of-house dry storage area. The establishment also showed signs of fly activity that requires elimination. The inspector provided specific guidance for addressing the violations, emphasizing the need to seal all possible rodent entry points using professional building materials while specifically noting that expanding foam should not be used. Staff immediately began removing droppings and cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas during the inspection, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the issues promptly.

Health Violations Found

The single critical violation cited falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, addressing the presence of insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals. This violation carries significant health implications, as rodents can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of flies compounds these concerns, as they can carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. The conditional pass status allows the cafe near Civic Center BART to continue operations while implementing comprehensive pest control measures. The inspector's detailed observations noted the specific locations where rodent droppings were found, providing clear guidance for targeted cleaning and prevention efforts.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection follows a previous conditional result from August 27, when similar rodent issues were first identified along with improper cooking practices involving raw chicken. The recurring nature of the rodent problem indicates ongoing challenges that the establishment must address through systematic pest control measures. The August inspection revealed rodent droppings on dry goods shelving and in utensil storage cabinets, accompanied by fruit fly activity throughout the facility. The consistency of these findings across multiple inspections highlights the need for comprehensive pest management strategies beyond surface cleaning.

Ongoing Operations and Corrections

Despite the violations, Cumaica Coffee's conditional pass allows continued service to the SOMA community while management works to eliminate pest activity. The establishment must focus on vermin-proofing the facility through professional-grade sealing of entry points and implementing enhanced cleaning protocols in storage areas. The cafe's location at 1398 Mission Street serves the busy SOMA district, making food safety compliance crucial for public health. The inspector's specific recommendations provide a clear roadmap for achieving full compliance, including enhanced sanitation procedures and structural improvements to prevent future rodent intrusions. Management must address both immediate cleaning needs and long-term prevention strategies to ensure the next inspection results in a full pass. The conditional status provides an opportunity for the establishment to demonstrate its commitment to food safety while maintaining service to customers in this densely populated neighborhood.