Karma Cafe Fails Health Inspection Mouse Droppings Food

Karma Cafe on Hayes Street in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district failed its health inspection on October 17, 2025, after inspectors discovered mouse droppings scattered on the ground and refrigeration equipment operating at dangerously warm temperatures. The restaurant received three major violations during the routine inspection conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health Inspector Zack Parsons. The most alarming discovery during this inspection involved clear evidence of a rodent infestation, with mouse droppings found on the ground throughout the establishment. Health experts warn that mice produce up to 50 droppings daily, each potentially contaminated with dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of rodent waste in a food service environment poses serious risks to customers, as these contaminants can easily transfer to food preparation surfaces and utensils.

Temperature Violations Compound Health Risks

Compounding the sanitation crisis, inspectors documented that refrigeration units were operating at approximately 47°F, well above the safe food storage temperature of 41°F or below required by California health codes. This temperature violation creates ideal conditions for rapid bacterial growth, particularly dangerous pathogens like Clostridium perfringens, which multiplies rapidly in the temperature danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. Food safety experts note that temperature abuse is responsible for 63% of foodborne illness outbreaks nationwide. When refrigerated foods are stored above safe temperatures, harmful bacteria including Listeria, which can grow even at refrigeration temperatures, multiply rapidly and can cause severe illness in customers. The combination of rodent contamination and temperature violations creates a perfect storm for foodborne illness transmission.

Inspection Details and Violations

The inspection, conducted between 1:20 PM and 2:25 PM on Thursday afternoon, revealed systematic failures in basic food safety protocols. Inspector Parsons cited the establishment for violations of California Retail Food Code sections related to pest control and proper food storage temperatures. The inspector also noted issues with cleaning protocols, specifically floors below and behind equipment that required immediate attention. Located at 1901 Hayes Street near the N-Judah transit line, Karma Cafe serves the busy Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, an area popular with both locals and tourists. The restaurant's failure comes at a time when food safety concerns are paramount for San Francisco diners, particularly given the high foot traffic in this iconic district.

Restaurant History and Next Steps

This marks the first recorded inspection for Karma Cafe in the San Francisco Department of Public Health database, making it impossible to establish whether these violations represent ongoing issues or new problems. The establishment was not ordered to close following the inspection, though it must address all cited violations to prevent potential closure in future inspections. Restaurant manager Mandy received the inspection report but reportedly refused to sign the documentation, according to inspector records. The establishment can contact Inspector Zack Parsons at zack.parsons@sfdph.org or (415) 252-3848 regarding the violations and required corrective actions. Customers who dined at Karma Cafe around the time of the inspection and experience symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever should consult their healthcare provider and report their illness to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.