Zesty SF Restaurant Closed After Cockroach Infestation Found

A SOMA restaurant was forced to shut down Monday after health inspectors discovered a severe cockroach infestation contaminating food throughout the facility. Zesty SF, located at 212 6th Street near Civic Center BART, was closed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health during this inspection after inspectors found what they described as "an abundance of live cockroaches in multiple life stages throughout the facility."

Inspection Details

The shocking discovery revealed cockroaches had infiltrated virtually every area of the restaurant, including on and under equipment, in hard-to-reach areas, and most alarmingly, inside bags of dry ingredients and containers of food. Multiple bags of dry ingredients were found completely contaminated with the insects. Inspector Farhan Khan documented extensive cockroach feces on walls and shelving throughout the facility, indicating a long-standing infestation problem. The restaurant was ordered to cease all food operations immediately and discard all contaminated food, single-use items, and any materials that could not be effectively cleaned or sanitized. The health department mandated a comprehensive response plan requiring the restaurant to conduct thorough deep cleaning of the entire facility, including areas under and behind equipment and inside storage areas. Management must also contract with a licensed pest control company for immediate treatment and provide service reports to the department.

Health Violations Found

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors cited multiple additional violations that compounded the health risks. The facility had no chlorine sanitizer available for cleaning food contact surfaces, creating conditions ripe for bacterial contamination. Both handwashing sinks lacked paper towels, preventing proper hand hygiene practices. Inspectors also discovered "Raid Ant and Roach" spray stored inside the facility, which violates food safety regulations that only permit licensed pest control operators to apply chemicals in food establishments. The restaurant's exhaust hoods showed accumulated grease buildup, while food debris was found throughout the facility. The person in charge, Patricia Ojeda, refused to sign the inspection report, though an employee reportedly left during the inspection to purchase chlorine sanitizer as a corrective measure.

Health Risks and Customer Impact

The cockroach infestation poses serious health risks to customers, as these insects are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms. Contaminated food and surfaces can spread salmonella, E. coli, and other foodborne pathogens that cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Customers who dined at the restaurant before the closure may have been exposed to food contaminated by cockroach droppings and bacteria. The extensive nature of the infestation suggests the problem existed for some time before detection.

Previous Inspection History

This marked the first recorded inspection for Zesty SF, as no previous inspection records were found in the health department database. The restaurant's failure to maintain basic sanitation standards from the outset raises concerns about management's understanding of food safety requirements. The closure will remain in effect until the restaurant completes all required remediation steps, including pest control treatment, facility cleaning, and sealing of entry points. A reinspection will determine if the restaurant can safely resume operations and serve the SOMA community.