Outset Coffee Fails Inspection with Moldy Ice Machine, Food

Outset Coffee in SOMA failed a routine health inspection on October 7, 2025, after inspectors discovered serious temperature violations, a mold-contaminated ice machine, and improper food storage practices at the popular coffee shop location near Montgomery St BART. Inspector Patrick Wood found the establishment's display cooler operating at a dangerous 65°F while holding sandwiches and burritos for over two hours - well above the safe refrigeration temperature of 41°F or below. The temperature abuse creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth, particularly Clostridium perfringens, which multiplies rapidly in the danger zone between 41°F and 140°F.

Critical Food Safety Violations

The most alarming discovery came from the facility's ice machine, where inspectors found a buildup of mold-like substance coating the interior surfaces. This contamination directly affects ice that comes into contact with beverages served to customers, presenting serious health risks including respiratory issues and potential foodborne illness. Additionally, inspectors observed coconut water stored at 74°F and both regular milk and oat milk sitting at room temperature - conditions that allow harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria to flourish. These pathogens can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly dangerous for pregnant women, elderly customers, and those with compromised immune systems. The coffee shop's food storage practices also violated health codes, with cardboard boxes of food products stored directly on the floor rather than being elevated at least six inches on proper dunnage racks. This practice exposes food to contaminated water during cleaning and provides easy access for rodents and other pests.

Sanitation and Equipment Issues

Inspectors cited Outset Coffee for lacking proper chlorine test strips needed to verify that dishwashing sanitizing solution maintains the required 100 parts per million concentration. Without proper sanitization monitoring, dishes, cups, and utensils may harbor dangerous bacteria and viruses, including Hepatitis A, which can survive on improperly cleaned surfaces for weeks. The facility also had wiping cloths stored improperly, though this violation was corrected on-site during the inspection. Staff were instructed to clean floors throughout the facility, including areas under equipment where debris and spills can accumulate and attract pests.

Location and Customer Impact

Located at 90 New Montgomery Street in the heart of SOMA's financial district, Outset Coffee serves a steady stream of office workers, tourists, and commuters accessing the nearby Montgomery St BART station. The failed inspection means customers who purchased food and beverages during the morning rush may have unknowingly consumed products stored at unsafe temperatures or prepared with contaminated ice.

Inspection History and Next Steps

This marks the first recorded health inspection for Outset Coffee at this location, making it impossible to determine if these violations represent ongoing issues or isolated incidents. The establishment was not ordered to close following this inspection, though immediate corrective actions were required. The coffee shop moved all improperly stored perishable items to working refrigeration units during the inspection. However, the facility must address the moldy ice machine, obtain proper test strips, install dunnage racks, and implement comprehensive cleaning procedures before their next inspection to avoid potential closure orders. For SOMA workers and visitors who frequent this busy coffee shop near the Montgomery Street transit hub, this inspection serves as a reminder that even establishments in high-traffic areas can harbor serious food safety violations that put customer health at risk.