SF Tea Shop Fails with Rodent Droppings by Counter Service

Aroma J Tea Shop on Washington Street in Chinatown failed its routine health inspection on September 24, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings near the customer counter and multiple violations that put public health at risk. Health inspector Michael Mooney found rodent droppings in two critical locations during this inspection: near the top of the stairwell leading to the basement and in the corner of the counter directly to the right of the hand wash sink. The proximity of rodent waste to food preparation and customer service areas represents a serious contamination risk for patrons of the tea shop located just blocks from the Montgomery St BART station.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed three violations, including two critical infractions that could directly impact customer safety. Beyond the rodent droppings, inspectors found that the three-basin sink behind the point of sale, which doubles as the mandatory hand wash sink, was obstructed at the time of inspection. This violation prevents employees from properly sanitizing their hands before handling food and beverages served to customers. The most concerning discovery involved evidence of ongoing rodent activity throughout the facility. Inspectors observed what appeared to be a hole under a door in the downstairs area, along with rodent rub marks near the top of the staircase where the stairs meet the wall. These rub marks indicate regular rodent traffic patterns and suggest an established infestation that has gone unaddressed. The inspector ordered immediate remediation using a 10% bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to clean and sanitize all affected areas. The establishment was also directed to increase the frequency of licensed pest control services and provide documentation to the district inspector.

Vermin Proofing Requirements

To prevent future infestations, the tea shop must implement proper vermin proofing using approved materials such as 1/4 inch galvanized steel wire mesh. The inspector specifically warned against using expanding foam, which is not an approved method for excluding rodents from food service facilities. The establishment was also cited for storing personal items on the sales floor, which provides harborage for cockroaches and rodents. All inventory must be elevated at least 6 inches off the floor to facilitate proper cleaning and reduce hiding places for pests.

Health Risks and Customer Impact

Rodent droppings pose significant health risks to customers, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The location of the droppings near food service areas creates a direct pathway for contamination of beverages and food items served to unsuspecting customers. The blocked hand washing facilities compound these risks, as employees cannot properly sanitize after cleaning contaminated areas or before handling customer orders. This creates a cycle where contamination can spread throughout the facility and directly to customers.

Previous Inspection History

This failure represents the first documented health code violation for the Washington Street establishment. The tea shop underwent a reinspection on October 7, 2025, receiving a conditional pass, indicating that some but not all violations had been adequately addressed. The restaurant remains open to the public while working to correct the violations identified during the September inspection. Customers visiting the Chinatown establishment should be aware that remediation efforts are ongoing following this significant health code failure.