SF Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass Despite Mouse Droppings

Outta Sight, a restaurant located at 643 Clay Street in San Francisco's Financial District, received a conditional pass during a September 19 reinspection after health officials discovered old mouse droppings on kitchen equipment. The establishment remains open for business while addressing the minor pest control violation. During this inspection, conducted by Inspector Jesus Zapien from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, officials found evidence of past rodent activity on top of the mechanical dishwasher located in the rear of the facility. The restaurant operator promptly demonstrated their most recent pest control reports to the inspector, showing active efforts to maintain a pest-free environment.

Inspection Details

The violation cited falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which addresses the prohibition of insects, rodents, birds, and non-service animals in food establishments. Inspector Zapien noted that while old mouse droppings were present, the restaurant showed documentation of ongoing pest control measures. The facility was required to clean and sanitize all contaminated areas using a chlorine sanitizing solution. The conditional pass designation allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while implementing corrective measures. This classification indicates that while violations were found, they do not pose an immediate threat to public health that would require closure. The single critical violation was corrected on site, demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to maintaining health standards.

Health Implications

Rodent activity in food establishments poses legitimate health concerns. Mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily, potentially containing harmful bacteria including Salmonella and hantavirus. The discovery of old droppings suggests previous rodent presence, though current evidence of active infestation was not reported during the inspection. The restaurant's ability to provide recent pest control documentation indicates proactive management of potential pest issues. Professional pest control services are essential for restaurants in urban environments like the Embarcadero district, where older buildings and proximity to the waterfront can create challenges for pest management.

Recent Inspection History

Outta Sight has undergone multiple inspections in recent weeks, showing a pattern of regulatory oversight. On September 18, the restaurant received both a pass and conditional rating during routine inspections, with violations noted including proper hot and cold holding temperatures and time controls for public health safety. An earlier September 3 inspection also resulted in a conditional pass, with similar pest control violations noted. This pattern suggests ongoing challenges with maintaining consistent pest prevention protocols, though the restaurant continues to operate and address issues as they arise.

Moving Forward

The restaurant's location near Embarcadero BART makes it accessible to downtown workers and tourists exploring the Financial District. Despite the minor violations, the establishment continues serving customers while implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols as directed by health officials. Restaurant management's cooperation with inspectors and maintenance of pest control documentation demonstrates commitment to resolving the identified issues. The conditional pass allows for continued operation while ensuring public health standards are met through corrective action and follow-up monitoring. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections