SF Cafe Closed for Unsanitized Dishes & Employee Violations

Hss121 Cafe in Parkside was forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered a cascade of serious violations that put customers at immediate risk of foodborne illness. The October 14 follow-up inspection at 1600 Holloway Avenue revealed employees were washing dishes in dangerously cold 70°F water without proper sanitizing procedures, creating conditions ripe for bacterial contamination. The most alarming discovery came when inspectors observed an employee using a contaminated wiping cloth to clean the milk steamer before directly inserting it into a customer's drink. This shocking breach of basic food safety protocols demonstrates how quickly pathogens can transfer from dirty equipment to beverages destined for unsuspecting customers.

Critical Sanitation Failures

The inspection revealed systematic failures in the cafe's dishwashing and sanitizing procedures that are fundamental to preventing foodborne illness. Employees were observed washing dishes with soap and water at a mere 70°F, far below the required minimum temperature, then failing to sanitize them entirely. This improper procedure creates the perfect environment for bacteria like salmonella and E. coli to survive and multiply on plates, cups, and utensils. Even more concerning, the sanitizing solution in both the front service area and the three-compartment sink contained only 50 parts per million of chlorine bleach when 100 ppm is required after four hours of operation. This insufficient concentration renders the sanitizer essentially useless against harmful bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning. Inspectors also discovered an employee eating directly on a meat slicing machine in the back area near the three-compartment sink, introducing potential contamination from saliva and personal bacteria to food preparation surfaces.

Equipment and Infrastructure Problems

Beyond the immediate sanitation violations, the cafe faced serious infrastructure issues that compromised food safety. The ice machine was completely non-functional, forcing staff to find alternative methods for keeping beverages and potentially perishable items cold. Hot water at the mop sink reached only 92°F instead of the required 120°F, making proper cleaning and sanitizing impossible. A significant plumbing problem was causing wastewater to pool in a container underneath the three-compartment sink rather than draining into an approved floor sink. This standing wastewater creates breeding grounds for bacteria and poses serious health risks in a food preparation environment.

Staff Training Deficiencies

The inspection revealed troubling gaps in employee training and certification. Front-of-house staff demonstrated they could not properly test sanitizer concentration or execute basic dishwashing procedures. More concerning, two of three kitchen employees lacked required food handler cards, indicating they had not received essential training in food safety protocols.

Immediate Closure Warranted

The combination of improper temperature control, contaminated sanitizing solutions, equipment failures, and inadequate staff training created conditions that posed immediate danger to public health. The San Francisco Department of Public Health had no choice but to order the cafe's immediate closure. This marks the first recorded inspection for Hss121 Cafe in the city database, suggesting the establishment may be relatively new to the area. The Parkside neighborhood, accessible via Stonestown Muni, relies on local restaurants to maintain high standards for community health and safety. The cafe remains closed pending corrective actions and a successful reinspection. Customers who recently dined at the establishment should monitor themselves for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if concerns arise.