SOMA Chinese BBQ Closed for Cockroach Infestation in Food

Northern China BBQ on 9th Street in SOMA has been forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered a severe cockroach infestation throughout the facility during a reinspection on October 6, 2025. The San Francisco Department of Public Health immediately suspended the restaurant's health permit and ordered the Chinese barbecue establishment to cease operations. Inspector Farhan Khan found live and dead cockroaches in multiple life stages contaminating virtually every area of the restaurant during this inspection. The disturbing discovery included cockroaches crawling on glue traps and walls in the dining room where customers eat, shelving at the front counter, and disturbingly, inside refrigerator door hinges where food is stored.

Health Violations Found

The most alarming findings occurred in food preparation and storage areas, where insects had infiltrated boxes of dry ingredients and established themselves under food prep equipment. This represents a critical violation of California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, and non-service animals in food establishments. The presence of cockroaches in food storage and preparation areas poses serious health risks to customers. These insects are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, potentially spreading diseases including Salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery. When cockroaches contaminate food surfaces and ingredients, they leave behind harmful pathogens that can cause severe foodborne illness. Located at 294 9th Street near Civic Center BART, the restaurant serves the busy SOMA district where office workers and residents frequently dine. The facility's closure removes a dining option from an area already dealing with food safety concerns among various establishments.

Previous Inspection History

This closure represents the culmination of ongoing health department concerns with the facility. Previous inspection records show Northern China BBQ initially failed a routine inspection on September 30, 2025, triggering the reinspection process that ultimately led to the October 6 closure. The restaurant underwent another failed reinspection on October 8, indicating the establishment was unable to address the initial violations. This pattern suggests the cockroach infestation was not a new development but an ongoing problem that the restaurant failed to properly remediate.

Inspection Details

During the inspection conducted between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, Inspector Khan documented the extensive nature of the infestation. The discovery of cockroaches in "multiple life stages" indicates an established breeding population that had been present for an extended period. Finding both live and dead insects throughout the facility suggests the problem had reached critical proportions. The restaurant now faces significant challenges before it can reopen, including pest control treatment, thorough sanitization, and equipment replacement or deep cleaning. Additionally, the establishment must pay a $244 reinspection fee before the health department will consider lifting the closure order. For customers who recently dined at Northern China BBQ, health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention and report their illness to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular pest control and sanitation in food service establishments, particularly in dense urban areas like SOMA where restaurant density and older buildings can contribute to pest problems.