SF Mission Restaurant Sanguchon Closed for Cockroach Invasion

A popular Mission district restaurant has been shut down by San Francisco health inspectors after a shocking cockroach infestation was discovered throughout the kitchen. Sanguchon, located at 1182 Valencia Street near the 24th Street Mission BART station, was forced to close immediately during this inspection on October 21, 2025, after inspectors found live cockroaches crawling between walls and five dead roaches scattered across kitchen floors. The most disturbing discovery occurred when Inspector Tiombe Wiley observed "moving cockroach antenna of one cockroach in between the crack of the tile and wall" during the follow-up inspection that lasted from 12:30 PM to 1:25 PM. Even more alarming, inspectors found "5 dead cockroaches on flooring, near the doorway that connects kitchen to the prep area" - directly in the path where food preparation takes place.

Health Violations Found

The cockroach infestation represents a severe public health threat to customers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and 6 parasitic worms, making them vectors for serious foodborne illnesses. The insects contaminate food surfaces with pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in diners. Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors cited multiple critical violations that created a perfect storm of food safety hazards. The walk-in refrigerator's door gasket was "separated from the door interior at the bottom" with "cold air escaping from gap," potentially allowing food temperatures to rise into dangerous zones where bacteria multiply rapidly. Plumbing problems compounded the unsanitary conditions, with inspectors noting "a leak from the piping closet to the grease trap underneath the 3-compartment sink." This type of leak can introduce sewage contamination into food preparation areas and attract additional pests.

Equipment and Sanitation Failures

The inspection revealed widespread equipment failures that endangered customer safety. Inspectors found "one spatula that was in disrepair," meaning damaged utensils were being used on food. Additionally, "food debris on flooring in prep/assembly area" created an environment where bacteria and pests could thrive. The restaurant also lacked proper food safety management, with violations citing the need to "obtain Food Manager Safety Certification within 60 days." This absence of certified food safety leadership likely contributed to the deteriorating conditions that allowed the cockroach infestation to develop.

Restaurant History and Impact

This marks the first recorded inspection for the restaurant in the city's database, suggesting Sanguchon is either a newer establishment or has operated under different management. The restaurant's location on busy Valencia Street in the heart of the Mission makes this closure particularly significant for the neighborhood's dining scene. The facility received a total of seven violations during the inspection - four critical and three minor - resulting in an immediate failure and mandatory closure. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, as management must address all violations and pass a reinspection before serving customers again. For diners who recently ate at Sanguchon, health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which can appear within hours or days of exposure to contaminated food. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular health inspections in protecting San Francisco's dining public from serious health hazards lurking behind restaurant doors.