Matsuyama Shabu House Fails With Temperature Violations Rice

Matsuyama Shabu House Inc. in Pacific Heights failed its health inspection on October 21, 2025, with serious food safety violations that posed immediate risks to customer health. The Japanese shabu shabu restaurant at 1726 Buchanan Street was cited for five violations, including one major violation involving dangerous temperature violations that forced staff to discard food during the inspection.

Dangerous Temperature Control Failures

The most serious violation discovered during this inspection involved white sushi rice found sitting at a dangerous 84°F in a wooden bowl on the prep table since morning. Inspector Usman Javaid noted that the restaurant was not using Time as Public Health Control (TPHC) protocols, which would have allowed the rice to remain at room temperature for a maximum of four hours with proper labeling. The temperature violation represented a significant health risk, as foods held between 41°F and 135°F enter the "danger zone" where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. Clostridium perfringens, which causes food poisoning, multiplies especially quickly between 70°F and 120°F. The restaurant staff voluntarily discarded the rice when they could not determine how long it had been in the danger zone.

Contaminated Ice Machine and Food Storage Issues

Inspectors discovered a black, spotty substance inside the interior of the restaurant's ice machine, creating potential contamination risks for beverages and any food preparation involving ice. The violation required immediate cleaning and sanitization to prevent bacterial contamination from reaching customers. Additional food storage violations included cut beef ribs that were only half-covered with plastic in the refrigerator, leaving them exposed to refrigerator condensation that could contaminate the meat. Proper food covering protocols are essential in preventing cross-contamination and maintaining food safety standards in commercial kitchens.

Facility Maintenance and Sanitation Concerns

The inspection revealed broader facility maintenance issues that could harbor pests and contaminate food. Inspectors found dusty ductwork above customer tables, which poses risks of particles falling onto food and dining surfaces. Additionally, a hole in the wall at the back of the kitchen area was cited as potential vermin harborage, requiring immediate sealing to prevent pest infiltration. These maintenance issues suggest systemic problems with the restaurant's cleaning and facility upkeep protocols, which are essential for maintaining a sanitary dining environment in the competitive Pacific Heights restaurant scene.

First Inspection Record

This appears to be the restaurant's first recorded health inspection, making it impossible to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. The facility will need to address all cited violations and likely face a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance with San Francisco health codes. Located near Fillmore bus lines, the restaurant serves the busy Pacific Heights dining corridor. The violations discovered affect both food preparation and customer dining areas, indicating widespread issues with food safety protocols that management must address immediately. The restaurant remains open but must correct all violations to avoid potential closure in future inspections. Customers should be aware of these recent food safety issues when considering dining at this establishment.