Thai Basil Cart SOMA Fails Health Inspection Food Safety

Thai Basil Cart, a Thai restaurant operating at 475 6th Street in SOMA, failed its routine health inspection on October 22, 2025, due to multiple food safety violations that put customers at risk of foodborne illness. Inspector Katherine Tuazon discovered four separate violations during the morning inspection, including unsanitized food contact surfaces and improper food handling procedures. The most concerning violation involved food contact surfaces that were not properly cleaned and sanitized before food preparation began. Inspector Tuazon observed staff starting to prepare a sanitation bucket only after the inspection had commenced, while food was actively being prepared on potentially contaminated surfaces. The sanitizer was measured at 100 parts per million chlorine, but the critical timing violation meant that surfaces may have harbored dangerous bacteria throughout the morning's food preparation.

Dangerous Food Handling Practices

A particularly alarming discovery involved improper thawing methods that create perfect conditions for deadly bacterial growth. Inspectors found a bag of frozen chili sitting on top of the prep sink at room temperature - a dangerous practice that allows Clostridium botulinum bacteria to flourish in oxygen-free environments. This type of temperature violation can lead to botulism, a potentially fatal foodborne illness that causes paralysis and respiratory failure. The restaurant's equipment issues extended beyond basic cleanliness violations. Inspectors discovered food debris buildup on refrigerator and freezer handles, areas that come into contact with staff hands throughout the day. Most concerning was the observation of food preparation taking place directly on top of the three-compartment sink, a clear violation of proper food safety protocols.

Facility Cleanliness Concerns

Beyond the immediate food safety violations, inspectors documented significant cleanliness issues throughout the facility. Grease buildup was observed on both floors and ceilings, indicating poor maintenance practices that can harbor bacteria and attract pests. These conditions suggest systemic hygiene problems that extend far beyond the specific violations cited in this inspection. The restaurant's location near Civic Center BART makes it a convenient dining option for commuters and downtown workers, but the failed inspection raises serious concerns about food safety standards. Customers who dined at Thai Basil Cart on or before October 22 may have been exposed to improperly handled food and contaminated surfaces.

First-Time Inspection Results

This appears to be Thai Basil Cart's first recorded health inspection since opening, with no previous inspection history available in city records. The facility received a total of four minor violations, all of which were corrected on-site with inspector guidance. However, the accumulation of multiple violations in a single inspection suggests broader food safety training needs. Inspector Katherine Tuazon can be reached at (415) 252-3865 for additional information about the violations. The person in charge during the inspection was identified as Manida, though they reportedly refused to sign the inspection report. Despite the failed result, the restaurant was not ordered to close and remains open for business. However, diners should be aware of the recent food safety violations when considering this Thai restaurant option in the busy SOMA district.