SF Mission Restaurant Closed After Cockroach Infestation Found

The San Francisco Department of Public Health closed Rinconsito Salvadoreno on Mission Street following a failed reinspection that revealed persistent cockroach infestation and unsanitary conditions that posed serious health risks to customers. During this inspection conducted on October 14, 2025, inspector Tiombe Wiley discovered cockroach feces still present on conduit lines above the upright refrigerator, despite aggressive pest control treatment following a previous failed inspection on October 10. The Salvadoran restaurant at 3829 Mission Street in the Mission district, near 24th St Mission BART, had undergone intensive pest control efforts but failed to eliminate the infestation completely.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed multiple disturbing conditions that endangered public health. Inspectors found rodent droppings underneath the upright refrigerator behind the cook line, indicating ongoing pest problems beyond the cockroach infestation. The facility showed evidence of systematic sanitation failures, including grease accumulation on the ventilation hood that had been painted over rather than properly cleaned. "The paint will begin to peel over time and complete removal of grease will be required," noted the inspector, emphasizing the need to reduce grease accumulation to prevent another cockroach infestation. The inspection report detailed that cockroach feces had been removed from behind the fire extinguisher and nearby areas, but missed contamination remained in critical food preparation zones. The restaurant's trash enclosure retained a persistent odor of rodent urine, creating an environment that attracts pests and compromises food safety. Holes in the ceiling and walls throughout the front and back of house had required sealing, indicating how extensively pests had infiltrated the facility.

Previous Inspection Pattern

The October 14 closure represented the second failed reinspection for the restaurant establishment. Following an unsuccessful follow-up inspection on October 10, 2025, the facility had undergone aggressive pest control treatment specifically to address the cockroach infestation. Despite these efforts, inspectors found that basic sanitation standards had not been maintained. The facility's permit holder, Daysi Romero, received the inspection results during a process that lasted from 10:40 AM to 12:25 PM. The comprehensive inspection revealed that while some remediation efforts had been made, including cleaning shelving under the service counter and removing crumbs, fundamental pest control issues persisted.

Health Risks and Implications

Cockroach infestations in food service establishments pose severe health risks to customers, as these pests carry numerous pathogens including salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria that cause foodborne illness. The presence of cockroach feces on surfaces above food storage and preparation areas creates direct contamination risks for meals served to customers. Rodent droppings near food preparation equipment indicate potential exposure to hantavirus, salmonella, and other serious pathogens. The combination of both cockroach and rodent infestations suggests systematic sanitation failures that could have exposed customers to multiple disease vectors during food service operations. The restaurant's location in the busy Mission district, heavily trafficked by tourists and locals using the nearby 24th St Mission BART station, amplified the public health concern. The facility serves Salvadoran cuisine to a diverse customer base who expected safe, sanitary food preparation.

Closure and Remediation Requirements

Inspector Wiley noted that while the facility's health permit was eventually reinstated allowing food service to resume, strict conditions were imposed. The restaurant must maintain bi-weekly pest control treatments for two months, followed by monthly treatments if no pest activity is observed. Staff members received specific instructions to remain vigilant and immediately report any pest sightings to ownership. The inspector emphasized that maintaining a vermin-free facility remains the sole responsibility of the permit holder, not pest control technicians, requiring daily cleaning and degreasing to prevent future infestations.