SF Miki Restaurant Closed for Raw Eggs Above Ready Food

Miki Restaurant in San Francisco's Outer Richmond has been ordered closed by the Department of Public Health after inspectors discovered dangerous food storage violations that posed serious health risks to customers. During this inspection conducted on October 1, 2025, health officials found flats of raw eggs stored on a shelf directly above ready-to-eat foods at the Japanese restaurant located at 3639 Balboa Street. This critical violation creates a direct pathway for salmonella and other dangerous bacteria to contaminate food served to customers.

Critical Food Safety Violations

The most serious violation discovered involved improper food storage that violated basic food safety principles. Inspector Jessica Jang found raw eggs positioned above prepared foods, creating what health experts call a "direct contamination pathway." Raw eggs are known carriers of salmonella bacteria, which can cause severe foodborne illness including fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Health inspectors also cited the restaurant for failing to provide proper consumer advisory disclosures on their website menu. This violation is particularly concerning for a restaurant serving potentially undercooked foods, as customers have the right to know about health risks associated with raw or undercooked ingredients.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

Beyond the critical violations, inspectors documented multiple sanitation problems throughout the facility. Significant grease buildup and food debris were found on the sides and underneath cooking equipment, creating conditions that attract rodents and harbor harmful bacteria. The sushi preparation area showed signs of serious deterioration, with exposed wood on the bottom shelf that inspectors deemed unsanitary and impossible to properly clean. Such porous surfaces can harbor dangerous pathogens and contaminate food prepared in the area. Ventilation problems were also documented, with grease dripping from the hood and accumulating on walls underneath. Poor ventilation not only creates fire hazards but also allows airborne contaminants to settle on food surfaces.

Neighborhood Impact

The closure affects diners in the Outer Richmond neighborhood, an area accessible by the 38 Geary bus line. Local residents who frequent this stretch of Balboa Street will need to find alternative dining options while the restaurant addresses the violations.

Health Department Response

Despite some positive findings during the inspection, including proper refrigeration temperatures and adequate sanitizer at food prep areas, the combination of critical violations warranted immediate closure. The restaurant cannot reopen until all violations are corrected and a follow-up inspection confirms compliance with health codes. Restaurant owner Kawaguchi Akihiko can be reached at (415) 392-0144 regarding the closure. No timeline has been provided for potential reopening. The violations discovered at Miki Restaurant highlight the importance of proper food handling protocols, particularly in establishments serving raw or undercooked foods where the margin for error is minimal.