Taza Smoothies & Wraps Fails Second Reinspection in Month

Taza Smoothies & Wraps in Parkside has failed its second reinspection in just over a week, marking a troubling pattern of recurring food safety violations that persist despite repeated warnings from San Francisco health inspectors. The smoothie and wrap shop at 750 Font Boulevard near Stonestown Muni received a failing grade during this inspection on October 8, just nine days after passing a previous reinspection with violations still present.

Persistent Food Safety Violations

Inspector Cristina Fung-Autry documented multiple violations during the 35-minute inspection that demonstrate a concerning disregard for basic food safety protocols. Most troubling was the observation of staff members using their gloved hands to grab cheese directly from the cold top preparation area instead of using proper serving utensils, creating a direct pathway for contamination between hands and ready-to-eat foods. The inspection also revealed improper food storage practices, with a box of onions observed stored inappropriately in the back of house area. This violation represents the same category of infraction that has plagued the establishment through multiple inspections, suggesting a fundamental failure to address systemic storage issues that could lead to pest access and temperature abuse. Adding to the sanitation concerns, the inspector found black residue accumulating on the floor in hard-to-reach areas underneath the three-compartment sink, indicating inadequate cleaning protocols in critical food preparation zones.

Pattern of Repeat Violations

The October 8 failure marks the third consecutive inspection where food storage violations have been documented at the Parkside establishment. The facility's inspection history reveals a troubling timeline: a conditional pass on September 4 with multiple violations including improper handwashing, glove use issues, reheating problems, and food storage concerns, followed by a September 29 reinspection that passed despite continued food storage violations. The September 29 inspection notes reveal additional concerns about temperature control, with the inspector recommending temperature monitoring logs after observing ambient temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit in refrigeration units, though individual food items tested within acceptable ranges.

Health Implications for Customers

The documented violations pose significant health risks for customers seeking fresh smoothies and wraps. Staff handling cheese and other ready-to-eat ingredients with gloved hands rather than utensils creates cross-contamination opportunities that can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. Improper food storage practices can result in temperature abuse, allowing dangerous bacteria to multiply to levels that cause serious gastrointestinal illness. The accumulation of residue in cleaning areas suggests broader sanitation challenges that could affect the entire food preparation environment, potentially exposing customers to bacterial contamination even in items that appear fresh and appealing.

Regulatory Response

Inspector Fung-Autry has scheduled a follow-up call to determine next steps for the facility, which now faces the possibility of closure if violations persist. The inspector's detailed documentation includes specific recommendations for proper utensil use and improved storage protocols that must be implemented before the restaurant can demonstrate compliance with California Retail Food Code requirements. The restaurant, operated by Feda Corporation and managed by individuals whose contact information was provided to health officials, must now address these recurring violations to avoid potential closure and protect public health in the Parkside community. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections