Proposition Chicken Fails Health Inspection Mouse Droppings

Proposition Chicken, a popular restaurant at 3465 California Street in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood, failed its routine health inspection on October 16, 2025, after inspectors discovered mouse droppings in storage areas and dangerous food temperature violations that posed serious health risks to customers. Inspector Zack Parsons conducted the inspection from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM and found six total violations, including four major infractions that resulted in the restaurant's failure. The most alarming discovery was mouse droppings found throughout storage areas where food is kept, creating a serious contamination risk for diners.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed multiple critical food safety failures that could expose customers to dangerous foodborne illnesses. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain deadly bacteria including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of mouse droppings in food storage areas means ingredients used in customer meals may have been contaminated with these dangerous pathogens. Inspectors also discovered serious temperature violations in the restaurant's refrigeration systems. The refrigeration unit was operating at approximately 47°F, well above the safe temperature for storing potentially hazardous foods. This temperature abuse allows dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens to multiply rapidly, which is responsible for 63% of foodborne disease outbreaks according to health officials. During this inspection, health officials observed staff storing warm food items in plastic containers inside the malfunctioning refrigerator, creating an additional layer of food safety risk. This practice can trap heat and create ideal breeding conditions for harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Facility Infrastructure Issues

Beyond the immediate food safety violations, inspectors found structural problems with the restaurant's floors and walls. Areas below and behind equipment required cleaning, indicating poor maintenance standards that can harbor pests and bacteria. These conditions make it nearly impossible to maintain proper sanitation and provide entry points for rodents and insects. The restaurant's owner, Rema Restaurants LLC, was represented by manager Tommy Thompson during the inspection. However, Thompson refused to sign the inspection report, a concerning response given the severity of the violations discovered.

Restaurant History and Location Impact

This marks the first recorded inspection for Proposition Chicken, making it impossible to determine if these violations represent ongoing problems or isolated incidents. The restaurant is conveniently located near the 38 Geary bus line, making it easily accessible to both neighborhood residents and commuters traveling through the Inner Richmond district. For customers who have dined at the restaurant recently, the discovery of mouse droppings in storage areas and temperature violations means they may have been exposed to contaminated food. Health experts recommend monitoring for symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The restaurant remains open despite failing the inspection, as no closure order was issued. However, management must address all violations before the follow-up inspection to avoid potential closure. Inspector Parsons can be reached at (415) 252-3848 for questions about the inspection findings. Proposition Chicken joins a growing list of Inner Richmond restaurants that have failed health inspections this year, raising concerns about food safety standards in this popular dining district.