Tato Restaurant Fails Health Inspection with Major Pest Issues

A Bayview restaurant failed its routine health inspection last week after inspectors discovered serious pest control violations and multiple equipment safety issues that threatened food safety standards. Tato, located at 4608 3rd Street near the T-Third Muni line, received a failing grade during this inspection conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Roy Bwogi on October 21, 2025.

Major Pest Control Violations

The most serious violation cited during the two-hour inspection involved the presence of insects, rodents, birds or other non-service animals on the premises. This major violation was classified as corrected on-site, indicating inspectors witnessed active pest activity during their visit. According to health department guidelines, mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches are known to carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, while rats can spread serious diseases including plague and leptospirosis. The violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which requires restaurants to maintain pest-free environments to protect public health. The fact that this violation was corrected on-site suggests inspectors observed live pests or fresh evidence of pest activity that required immediate attention.

Equipment Safety Concerns

In addition to the major pest violation, inspectors found three separate equipment issues that violated health code standards. The restaurant was cited twice for improper storage and use of equipment, utensils and linens under Food Code Section 114161. Improperly stored utensils can collect airborne bacteria and dust, creating cross-contamination risks that spread pathogens to clean items. This violation indicates that kitchen tools and serving equipment were not being stored in sanitary conditions, potentially exposing customers to foodborne illness. A third equipment violation involved unapproved, damaged or improperly installed equipment under Section 114130. Health officials note that household equipment cannot withstand commercial kitchen use and often harbors bacteria in cracks and crevices that are difficult to sanitize properly.

Restaurant Location and Impact

Tato operates in San Francisco's Bayview district, an area served by the T-Third Muni line that connects residents to downtown. The restaurant's failure represents a significant food safety concern for local diners who rely on neighborhood establishments for meals. This marks the first recorded inspection for the establishment in available health department records, making it unclear whether these violations represent ongoing issues or recent problems that developed since opening.

Health Department Response

Inspector Roy Bwogi conducted the routine inspection from 10:20 AM to 12:10 PM, spending nearly two hours documenting violations and ensuring immediate corrections where possible. The inspector can be reached at roy.bwogi@sfdph.org for additional information about the inspection findings. Despite the failing grade, the restaurant was not ordered to close operations, suggesting that while the violations were serious, they did not pose an immediate threat requiring emergency closure. However, the establishment will need to address all cited issues and likely undergo a follow-up inspection to demonstrate compliance. The combination of pest activity and equipment safety issues creates multiple pathways for foodborne illness, particularly concerning for customers with compromised immune systems or food allergies. Diners should be aware of these documented safety concerns when considering whether to visit this establishment.