SF Pakwan Restaurant Closed for Rice Scoop in Food Contact

Pakwan Restaurant on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco's Excelsior district was forced to close by health inspectors after a follow-up inspection revealed serious food safety violations, including rice scoop handles coming into direct contact with food and active plumbing leaks throughout the kitchen. The October 10 closure of the popular restaurant at 1140 Ocean Avenue near Balboa Park BART came after inspectors documented 10 total violations during this inspection, including two critical violations that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Food Contact Violations

The most serious violation involved improper storage of serving utensils that directly contacted food. Inspectors observed rice scoops stored inside rice cookers with handles touching the food, and bowls being used as makeshift scoops. This practice creates a direct pathway for contamination, as handles collect bacteria from repeated touching and then transfer pathogens directly into food that customers consume. Health experts warn that this type of equipment violation can lead to serious foodborne illnesses, as bacteria from unwashed hands and kitchen surfaces accumulate on utensil handles throughout the day. When these contaminated handles touch food, they can introduce dangerous pathogens like salmonella and E. coli directly into dishes served to customers.

Plumbing and Sanitation Failures

Inspectors also discovered critical plumbing violations that created additional contamination risks. A small pipe underneath the dishwasher lacked the required one-inch air gap, while pipes underneath the handwashing sink were unsecured and causing active leaks. The leak under the handwashing sink was particularly concerning, as it compromised the ability of staff to maintain proper hand hygiene. Additional violations included employees storing personal items like backpacks directly on food preparation surfaces where sauces were kept, and raw fish stored above ready-to-eat curries in refrigeration units. The inspection also revealed that food was stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer, with items blocking the freezer door.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

The restaurant's dishwasher had accumulated food waste in the strainer, and wiping cloths were found without measurable sanitizer solution being used on food contact surfaces. Inspectors noted that the chlorine bleach sanitizer solution was at 200 parts per million when only 100 ppm was required, though this was corrected on site. Most concerning for customers was the discovery of missing floor tiles under the cook's line where water was pooling, and grease accumulation on the walk-in refrigeration unit floor that could attract vermin. These conditions create ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and pests in areas where food is prepared and stored.

Inspection History and Reopening Process

This closure was part of an ongoing inspection cycle for Pakwan Restaurant. The facility had previously failed a reinspection on October 3 and would go on to fail another reinspection on October 22 before finally receiving conditional approval to reopen on October 23. The restaurant's permit to operate was suspended until all violations could be addressed. The inspection report notes that employees were unable to produce adequate food handler cards, with only one valid certification among more than three kitchen staff present during the inspection. The violations at this Excelsior establishment highlight the importance of proper food safety protocols in restaurant kitchens. Customers who dined at Pakwan Restaurant before the closure should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.