SF Pizza Express Fails with Rodent Droppings Throughout Kitchen

Pizza Express, an Italian restaurant located at 813 Cortland Avenue in San Francisco's Mission district, failed its routine health inspection on September 25, 2025, after inspectors discovered extensive evidence of rodents throughout the kitchen and dining preparation areas. Health inspector Cristina Zepeda found rodent droppings in multiple locations during this inspection, including below the preparation cold holding unit by the window, beneath the oven where food is prepared, behind the refrigeration unit, and below the three-compartment sink used for dishwashing. The widespread distribution of droppings indicates a significant pest problem that could expose customers to serious health risks including salmonella and hantavirus.

Critical Health Violations Found

The restaurant received six total violations, including two critical infractions that pose immediate health threats to diners. Beyond the rodent infestation, inspectors discovered that restaurant staff had improperly placed rodent bait blocks throughout the facility, creating additional contamination risks. The toxic bait stations were found behind the refrigeration unit next to the prep table and between the wall and walk-in unit, violating proper pest control protocols. Temperature control violations also raised red flags during the inspection. A whole cheese pizza was measured at 76 degrees Fahrenheit, well above safe holding temperatures, with no time stamps indicating how long the potentially hazardous food had been in the danger zone. The operator claimed the pizza had been out for 1.5 hours and was discarded every two hours, but could not provide required documentation, logs, or procedures for time-based food safety controls.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

Additional violations included blocked handwashing facilities, with a large tub obstructing access to the hand sink basin where food handlers are required to wash their hands. Heavy dust accumulation was observed on fan guards inside the walk-in refrigeration unit, and a leak was discovered at the preparation sink faucet, creating potential cross-contamination hazards. The restaurant's proximity to the 24th Street Mission BART station makes it a frequent stop for commuters and local residents in one of San Francisco's busiest neighborhoods. The Mission district's vibrant food scene depends on maintaining high standards of food safety to protect the thousands of diners who frequent the area's restaurants daily.

Restaurant Response and Next Steps

The person in charge, identified as Sylvia Halteh, refused to sign the inspection report. Inspector Zepeda has required the restaurant to immediately obtain licensed pest control services and clean and sanitize all affected areas before resuming normal operations. The pest control operator must email a report directly to the health department at cristina.zepeda@sfdph.org. This marks the first recorded inspection for Pizza Express since opening, with no previous inspection history available in city records. The restaurant remains open but must address all violations before a follow-up inspection can determine if operations meet city health standards. Customers who dined at the establishment should be aware of potential exposure to foodborne pathogens associated with rodent contamination and improperly held food items. The health department recommends anyone experiencing symptoms of food poisoning to seek medical attention and report incidents to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.