Pearl 6101 Fails Reinspection with Equipment Violations

Pearl 6101, located at 6101 California Street in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district, failed a critical reinspection on October 14, 2025, after health officials discovered persistent equipment violations that create serious bacterial contamination risks for customers. Health Inspector Jessica Jang conducted the follow-up inspection from 10:30 AM to 11:25 AM and found two significant violations that demonstrate the restaurant's ongoing failure to maintain proper sanitary conditions despite previous warnings.

Broken Equipment Creates Health Hazards

The most concerning violation involved the restaurant's ice machine on the second floor, where inspectors discovered the lid completely detached from the unit. This critical breach allows airborne contaminants, dust, and bacteria to directly contaminate ice that comes into contact with beverages served to customers. The exposed ice poses immediate health risks, as contaminated ice can harbor dangerous pathogens including E. coli and salmonella. Even more troubling was the discovery of a makeshift condensate line for the walk-in cooler that was dripping directly into a five-gallon bucket. Restaurant operators admitted to Inspector Jang that the cooling unit was not properly evaporating condensate and that they were "in the process of ordering parts" to replace the malfunctioning equipment. This improvised solution creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold growth. The stagnant water collecting in the bucket provides ideal conditions for dangerous microorganisms to multiply, which can then contaminate food storage areas and compromise the safety of ingredients used in meal preparation.

Inspection Details Reveal Persistent Problems

This inspection marked a reinspection, indicating that Pearl 6101 had previously been cited for violations and failed to adequately address them. The restaurant received two minor violations, but the nature of these equipment failures represents serious food safety concerns that put public health at risk. The violations fall under California Retail Food Code Section 114130 and 114160, which require commercial kitchen equipment to be properly installed, maintained in good repair, and capable of handling commercial use. The inspector's notes specifically emphasized the need to "REPAIR or REPLACE" the ice machine and "REPLACE unit and ensure that the condensate is disposed properly to minimize bacterial growth."

Health Implications for Customers

Customers dining at Pearl 6101 during this period were potentially exposed to contaminated ice and food stored in compromised refrigeration conditions. Bacterial growth from improper condensate disposal can lead to serious foodborne illnesses, including gastroenteritis, salmonella poisoning, and other digestive system infections. The broken ice machine lid represents a particular concern for beverage safety, as ice contamination is a common source of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants. When equipment designed to keep food and beverages safe becomes a source of contamination, it undermines the fundamental health protections customers expect when dining out.

Restaurant Must Address Violations

Pearl 6101 has until November 4, 2025, to correct the condensate line violation and demonstrate that proper repairs have been completed. The restaurant continues to operate despite the failed reinspection, as health officials did not order a closure. Located near the 38 Geary bus line, Pearl 6101 serves the busy Outer Richmond corridor. The failed reinspection raises questions about the restaurant's commitment to maintaining basic health and safety standards expected by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Inspector Jang can be reached at jessica.jang@sfdph.org for additional information about the violations and required corrections.