SF Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass with Animal Control Issue

A North Beach restaurant received a conditional pass during its recent health inspection after officials discovered cats in the food preparation area and concerns about vacuum-packed fish storage practices. Jing Ye Co Inc, located at 1254 Stockton Street, can continue operating while addressing the minor violations found during this inspection on October 16, 2025. Inspector Michael Mooney conducted the reinspection from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM, documenting one major violation related to animal control that requires immediate attention. The primary concern involved the presence of cats and kittens in the establishment, which must be removed to comply with health regulations.

Inspection Details

During the inspection, officials observed cats and kittens on the premises and instructed management to remove all animals from the store. The presence of non-service animals in food establishments violates California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, and other animals in food service areas due to health risks. The inspector also addressed ongoing concerns about vacuum-packed fish storage practices. Staff had been storing vacuum-packed fish at room temperature, a practice that raised food safety questions. When questioned, the person in charge explained they had contacted their supplier and received approval for room temperature storage, claiming previous health department inspectors had approved this method. However, Inspector Mooney required additional documentation before approving the storage practice. The restaurant must provide either a microbial challenge study from an accredited agency or manufacturer documentation stating the products are safe for room temperature storage. Until proper documentation is provided, all vacuum-packed fish and other potentially hazardous items must be refrigerated.

Food Safety Requirements

The conditional pass allows North Beach diners to continue visiting the establishment while management addresses these correctable violations. The inspector provided detailed education about water activity, reduced oxygen packaging, USDA approval requirements, and factors that render foods potentially hazardous. Items requiring refrigeration until further notice include vacuum-packed fish, dried duck, and any products bearing "keep refrigerated" labels. The restaurant must maintain proper cold storage for these items until they receive official approval for alternative storage methods.

Previous Inspection History

This marks the second consecutive conditional result for the establishment. A previous inspection on September 3, 2025 also resulted in a conditional pass, indicating ongoing efforts to achieve full compliance with health regulations. The restaurant's history shows a pattern of working toward improved compliance while maintaining operation. Located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, the establishment serves the busy North Beach community and continues providing service while making necessary corrections.

Next Steps

Management must remove all cats from the premises immediately and provide proper documentation for vacuum-packed fish storage practices. The inspector emphasized the importance of maintaining proper food safety protocols, particularly regarding potentially hazardous items that could support bacterial growth if stored improperly. Jackie Wu received the inspection report, though she refused to sign the documentation. The restaurant can expect a follow-up inspection to verify compliance with the animal removal requirement and proper refrigeration of potentially hazardous products. With these minor corrections, the establishment can work toward achieving a full pass rating while continuing to serve customers in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood.