SOMA Restaurant Closed for Rodent Infestation & Live Insects

Mezze & Mooore, a restaurant located at 198 Guerrero Street in San Francisco's SOMA district, has been shuttered by the health department following a follow-up inspection that revealed ongoing pest infestations and serious equipment violations that posed immediate health risks to customers. The October 24 closure came after inspectors discovered a live insect nymph crawling on the door bracket of an under-counter refrigerator, along with widespread evidence of rodent activity throughout the facility. The restaurant owner was forced to destroy the live insect in front of the inspector during this inspection.

Inspection Details

Health inspector Tiombe Wiley conducted the follow-up visit from 11:40 AM to 1:52 PM, documenting five total violations including one critical infraction. The inspection was prompted by a previous closure on October 23, indicating the restaurant had already been shut down once for health code violations before this follow-up revealed continued problems. The most alarming discovery was the live insect found directly on food storage equipment. Inspectors observed "one live nymph on the door bracket of the under counter reach in refrigerator across from staircase," creating direct contamination risks for food stored in the unit. The operator was required to immediately destroy the pest during the inspection. Adding to the contamination concerns, inspectors found "an accumulation of rodent droppings on the ground" throughout the facility. Rodent droppings carry serious health risks, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain Salmonella and hantavirus, while rats can spread plague and leptospirosis.

Equipment Failures Creating Health Hazards

Beyond the pest issues, inspectors discovered multiple refrigeration units with "broken, detached, food encrusted gaskets" that created additional contamination risks. The deteriorated gaskets not only failed to maintain proper food temperatures but had accumulated food debris that attracted vermin and harbored dangerous bacteria. The inspection report specifically ordered the restaurant to "REPLACE ALL gaskets" and "Maintain CLEAN equipment to avoid this type of accumulation in the future and vermin attractants." Broken refrigeration seals can allow harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly, putting customers at risk for serious foodborne illnesses. Structural problems throughout the facility created additional entry points for pests. Inspectors cited violations for unsealed "wall gaps between stainless steel panels and drywall" and "holes in wire mesh at bottom of the outer gate" that needed immediate sealing to prevent continued rodent entry.

Location and Community Impact

The restaurant's location on Guerrero Street places it in the heart of SOMA, near the Civic Center BART station, making it easily accessible to both residents and commuters. The closure removes a dining option from an area that serves as a major transit hub for San Francisco workers and visitors.

Health Department Action

The health department's decision to keep the restaurant closed following the follow-up inspection demonstrates the severity of the ongoing violations. With no reopening date scheduled, the facility must address all structural issues, eliminate the pest infestation, replace broken equipment, and pass a comprehensive re-inspection before being allowed to serve food to the public again. This closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular health inspections in protecting public safety, particularly in high-traffic areas like SOMA where restaurants serve hundreds of customers daily.