The Melt SoMa Gets Conditional Pass on Reinspection

The Melt in San Francisco's bustling SoMa district received a conditional pass during a September 24 reinspection, with health inspectors identifying three minor violations that were immediately corrected on site. The popular sandwich and melted sandwich restaurant at 925 Market Street near Powell BART continues operating while addressing maintenance and procedural issues discovered during the follow-up inspection.

Minor Violations Addressed Immediately

During this inspection, conducted between 5:10 PM and 5:15 PM, inspector Patrick Wood identified three specific areas requiring attention. The most significant violation involved improper thawing methods, where chicken was found thawing in stagnant water at the prep sink. This practice creates dangerous anaerobic conditions that can allow harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum to grow, potentially causing serious illness. The restaurant also faced handwashing facility violations when the electronic hand dryer in the left-side customer restroom was found to be malfunctioning. Inspectors required the establishment to provide paper towels as an alternative until the dryer could be repaired. Proper handwashing facilities are crucial for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, as studies show only 31% of workers wash hands properly when supplies are inadequate. Additionally, inspectors discovered temperature control issues with cooked pasta stored in a plastic pan sitting on ice. The pasta measured 48 degrees Fahrenheit on the top layer, above the safe holding temperature of 41 degrees or below. The ice level was insufficient to maintain proper cold holding temperatures throughout the food container.

Restaurant Responds Quickly

What distinguished this inspection was The Melt's immediate response to address each violation as it was identified. All three violations were marked as "corrected on site," indicating the restaurant staff took prompt action to resolve the issues during the inspector's visit. This quick response demonstrates the establishment's commitment to maintaining food safety standards and protecting customer health. The conditional pass allows The Melt to continue serving customers while ensuring compliance with health regulations. The restaurant specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and melts, serving the busy SoMa neighborhood near the financial district and major transit hubs.

Inspection History Shows Improvement Pattern

The September 24 reinspection followed a previous conditional pass on September 10, suggesting ongoing efforts to address operational challenges. However, recent inspection history shows positive momentum. An October 8 follow-up inspection resulted in a full pass, and the most recent December 1 routine inspection achieved a clean pass with no violations observed. During the December inspection, all systems functioned properly with cooked burger patties reaching safe temperatures of 185 degrees Fahrenheit and hot water available at all sinks at the required 120 degrees. This progression demonstrates The Melt's commitment to resolving operational issues and maintaining consistent food safety practices. The restaurant's location at 925 Market Street serves a diverse clientele including office workers, tourists, and residents in one of San Francisco's most dynamic neighborhoods. With the minor violations now addressed and a track record of improvement, The Melt continues operating as a reliable dining option in the heart of SoMa.