Happy Bakery in Tenderloin Fails with Rat Droppings, Roaches

Happy Bakery in San Francisco's Tenderloin district failed its routine health inspection on October 8, 2025, after inspectors discovered a disturbing scene of rodent droppings and dead cockroaches throughout the food preparation areas. The violations found during this inspection paint a troubling picture of unsanitary conditions that could pose serious health risks to customers.

Major Health Violations Discovered

Inspector William Bajjalieh documented the most serious violation when he observed old rat droppings and dead roaches on a glue board positioned on a shelf directly adjacent to the three-compartment sink used for washing dishes and equipment. This critical finding triggered the facility's failure under California Health Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals in food establishments. The presence of rodent activity in food service areas creates severe health hazards for customers. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus, while cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. The inspector noted that evidence of vermin activity could lead to immediate permit suspension if not addressed promptly.

Food Storage and Cleanliness Violations

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors discovered multiple food storage violations that compounded the health risks. Raw food containers were found stored directly on the floor and underneath the three-compartment sink, violating regulations requiring food to be elevated at least six inches above ground level. This improper storage practice exposes food to contaminated water during cleaning operations and provides easy access for pests. The facility's overall cleanliness also raised serious concerns. Inspectors found dusty shelves throughout the preparation areas, with rodent droppings specifically noted on shelving near the three-compartment sink. The inspector emphasized the need for deep cleaning of all storage and preparation surfaces, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where contamination had accumulated.

Pest Control Efforts and Reinspection Requirements

While the bakery had recently engaged pest control services, with a receipt from Ensure Pest Solutions dated September 30, 2025, the ongoing evidence of rodent and insect activity indicated these measures were insufficient. Inspector Bajjalieh required additional pest control services before any reinspection could occur, emphasizing the severity of the contamination found. The inspector also mandated several structural improvements to prevent future infestations, including installing quarter-inch wire mesh screens over louvre windows above the front doors and ensuring back screen doors remain closed during operations. All unused materials and garbage behind the building must be removed to eliminate pest harborage areas.

Neighborhood Context and Customer Impact

Located near the Powell St BART/Muni station in the Tenderloin, Happy Bakery serves a busy area with significant foot traffic from commuters and local residents. The violations discovered during this inspection would have directly impacted customers purchasing baked goods and other food items prepared in contaminated conditions.

Inspection Follow-up

The facility was required to undergo reinspection before resuming full operations. Records show that Happy Bakery successfully passed a reinspection on October 15, 2025, indicating that the required pest control measures and deep cleaning had been completed to the satisfaction of health inspectors. This inspection represents the second recorded health department visit for the facility, with the successful reinspection demonstrating the establishment's commitment to addressing the serious health code violations that initially led to its failure.