Pacific Heights Market Fails with 47°F Fridge & Food Storage Violations

A Pacific Heights market failed its health inspection on October 22nd when inspectors discovered dangerous refrigeration temperatures and multiple food safety violations that could expose customers to serious foodborne illnesses. Mcbakers Market at 1800 McAllister Street received a failing grade during this inspection after San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Zack Parsons found refrigeration units operating at 47°F - six degrees above the safe maximum of 41°F required by California health code.

Major Temperature Violations Discovered

The most serious violation involved improper hot and cold holding temperatures, which the CDC identifies as the cause of 63% of foodborne illness outbreaks. When refrigeration temperatures exceed 41°F, dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens multiply rapidly, while Listeria can grow even at proper refrigeration temperatures when foods are held too long. Inspector Parsons observed the facility's refrigeration units operating at dangerous levels and ordered immediate correction. The inspection report specifically noted the need to "ensure refrigeration is 41F or below" and required the establishment to "provide new thermometers for all refrigeration" units to prevent future temperature violations.

Food Storage and Labeling Problems

Beyond the critical temperature issues, inspectors found numerous food storage violations that compromise food safety. Items including food, drinks, and boxes were being stored directly on the ground, violating California Retail Food Code sections that require proper elevation to prevent contamination from cleaning water and pest access. The market also failed to properly label its hummus products, lacking required information including business name, address, product name, ingredients, allergen warnings, and weight specifications. This violation poses particular risks for customers with food allergies who rely on accurate labeling to avoid dangerous reactions.

Cleanliness and Equipment Concerns

Inspectors documented widespread cleanliness issues throughout the facility. Non-food contact surfaces including shelving and equipment interiors and exteriors required deep cleaning, as dirty surfaces can harbor pests and serve as bacterial reservoirs that contaminate food preparation areas. The inspection also revealed equipment violations, with unused and broken equipment that needed immediate removal under health code section 114182. Additionally, wiping cloths were improperly stored on tabletops rather than in sanitizer buckets, creating cross-contamination risks.

Impact on Pacific Heights Dining

Located near Fillmore bus lines in the heart of Pacific Heights, Mcbakers Market serves a busy neighborhood where residents and commuters rely on quick food options. The violations discovered during this routine inspection highlight serious food safety lapses that could have exposed countless customers to foodborne illnesses ranging from mild stomach upset to severe bacterial infections.

Inspection History and Next Steps

This represents the first recorded inspection for Mcbakers Market in the San Francisco health department database, making it impossible to determine if these violations represent ongoing problems or first-time issues. The facility was not closed following the failed inspection, but must address all violations before receiving approval. Inspector Zack Parsons can be reached at (415) 252-3848 or zack.parsons@sfdph.org for questions about the inspection results. The market must correct all violations and potentially undergo re-inspection to demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations before fully resuming normal operations.