Caffe Centro Sp Fails Health Inspection with Cockroaches

A SOMA restaurant near the 4th & King Caltrain station failed its health inspection after inspectors discovered live cockroaches and food being held at dangerously low temperatures that could cause serious foodborne illness. Caffe Centro Sp, located at 102 S Park Street, received a failing grade during this inspection conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Farhan Khan on October 8, 2025. The routine inspection uncovered multiple major violations that put customer health at significant risk.

Live Cockroach Discovery

The most alarming finding involved pest control failures that allowed cockroaches to establish themselves in the kitchen. Inspectors observed one live cockroach stuck on a glue trap positioned under the restaurant's 3-compartment sink, a critical area used for dishware sanitation. The discovery indicates an active pest infestation in food preparation areas where customers' meals are prepared. According to health records, the restaurant's most recent pest control service was dated September 18, 2025, nearly three weeks before the inspection. This gap in professional pest management allowed the cockroach population to potentially multiply and spread throughout the kitchen. Cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, making their presence near food preparation areas a serious health hazard.

Temperature Control Failures

Inspectors also discovered critical temperature violations that could lead to rapid bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Cooked pasta intended for customer service was being held at only 110°F, a temperature that falls dangerously within the "danger zone" where harmful bacteria like Clostridium perfringens can multiply rapidly. Food safety regulations require all hot-holding foods to be maintained at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth. The 25-degree difference between the required temperature and what inspectors found represents a significant food safety failure that could expose customers to serious illness. Temperature abuse is responsible for 63% of all foodborne illness outbreaks, making this violation particularly concerning.

Sanitation Concerns

Beyond the major violations, inspectors noted accumulated food debris scattered under equipment and in hard-to-reach areas throughout the kitchen. This buildup of organic matter creates ideal breeding conditions for pests and bacteria, contributing to the overall sanitation failures that led to the restaurant's failing grade. The inspector provided specific remediation instructions, including requirements to continue regular pest control service, inspect and clean areas under equipment to eliminate harborage sites, monitor traps daily, reheat the pasta to 165°F before serving, and maintain proper hot-holding temperatures going forward.

First Inspection on Record

This appears to be the first recorded inspection for Caffe Centro Sp in the city database, meaning customers and neighbors lack historical context about the restaurant's food safety track record. The establishment was not ordered to close despite the serious violations, allowing it to continue serving customers while addressing the cited problems. The inspection was received by Erwin Ganschow, presumably a manager or owner, who can be contacted regarding the violations and remediation efforts. Inspector Farhan Khan can be reached at (415) 252-3965 or farhan.khan@sfdph.org for follow-up questions about the inspection findings. For diners in the SOMA area, particularly those using the nearby 4th & King Caltrain station, this inspection serves as a reminder to check recent health inspection results before dining at local establishments.