Pacific Heights Deli Closed for Pest Control Violations

Handy Deli Opa Inc in Pacific Heights has been forced to close its doors after a failed health department reinspection revealed serious violations that posed significant risks to public health. The restaurant, located at 2401 Post Street near Fillmore bus lines, was shut down on October 28, 2025, following inspector Usman Javaid's discovery of major pest control violations and improper food handling practices.

Critical Health Violations Force Closure

The most serious violation discovered during this inspection was the facility's failure to provide a current licensed pest control report. This major violation indicates potential pest infestation issues that could contaminate food and create serious health hazards for customers. The absence of proper pest control documentation suggests the restaurant may have been operating without adequate protection against rodents, cockroaches, and other disease-carrying pests. Adding to the health concerns, inspectors found garbanzo beans cooling improperly in a deep metal mesh container inside the food prep sink, with temperatures reaching a dangerous 75°F. According to the operator, the beans had been prepared an hour earlier and were supposedly within the two-hour safety limit. However, the improper cooling method violated food safety protocols designed to prevent bacterial growth that can cause severe foodborne illnesses including salmonella and E. coli.

Dangerous Food Handling Practices Exposed

The temperature violations discovered at Handy Deli Opa Inc represent a serious threat to customer safety. Food held at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F enters the "danger zone" where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. The beans found at 75°F were in prime conditions for bacterial growth, potentially exposing customers to life-threatening foodborne pathogens. Inspector Javaid immediately intervened, requiring the operator to relocate the beans to metal sheet trays with ice for proper rapid cooling. The inspector provided education on correct cooling procedures, emphasizing the need for ice baths during the critical first two hours before transferring items to walk-in coolers. This correction suggests the restaurant staff lacked proper training in basic food safety protocols.

Facility Remediation Efforts

Following the major violations, the health department documented several remediation efforts undertaken by the restaurant. The entire facility underwent cleaning and sanitization, and door sweeps were replaced at the front entrance to prevent pest entry. These measures indicate the extent of the problems discovered during the inspection and the comprehensive response required to address health hazards. The replacement of door sweeps specifically suggests issues with pest prevention measures. Gaps under doors are common entry points for mice, rats, and insects that can contaminate food preparation areas and pose serious health risks to customers.

Reinspection Reveals Ongoing Problems

This closure came after a reinspection, indicating the restaurant had previously failed to meet health standards. The fact that major violations persisted during the follow-up inspection demonstrates ongoing food safety management failures at the restaurant. The health permit was temporarily suspended, forcing immediate closure until all violations are properly addressed. The Pacific Heights location serves a busy neighborhood with significant foot traffic from the nearby Fillmore district. The closure removes a potential health hazard from an area frequented by local residents, workers, and visitors who could have been exposed to contaminated food and unsanitary conditions. As of the inspection date, Handy Deli Opa Inc remains closed with no reopening date announced. The restaurant must demonstrate full compliance with all health codes and pass a comprehensive reinspection before being permitted to resume food service operations in San Francisco.