Earth's Coffee Closed for Plumbing Violations & Food Safety

Earth's Coffee in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood was forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered serious plumbing violations and unsafe food storage practices during a follow-up inspection on October 29, 2025. The coffee shop at 3400 Geary Boulevard, accessible via the 38 Geary bus line, failed this inspection with four violations, including one critical infraction that posed immediate health risks to customers. Inspector Zack Parsons conducted the 45-minute inspection between 12:45 PM and 1:30 PM, ultimately determining the establishment was unsafe for public operation.

Critical Plumbing Violations Found

The most serious violation involved improper plumbing and backflow prevention measures. Health inspectors discovered the espresso coffee machine was discharging directly into a bucket, creating a serious contamination risk that violates California Retail Food Code Section 114099.6. This setup could allow sewage and contaminated water to back-flow into the coffee-making equipment, potentially exposing customers to dangerous pathogens and waterborne illnesses. Without proper backflow devices, contaminated water from drains, sewers, or other sources can enter the potable water system used for food and beverage preparation. This creates an immediate risk of transmitting diseases such as hepatitis, E. coli, and other serious foodborne illnesses through the coffee and other beverages served to unsuspecting customers.

Food Storage and Sanitation Issues

Beyond the critical plumbing violation, inspectors found multiple concerning food storage practices that compromised food safety. The establishment was storing food, drinks, and boxes directly on the ground, a practice that exposes products to contamination from floor cleaning chemicals, pest droppings, and other hazardous materials. Food stored on floors becomes particularly dangerous during routine cleaning when contaminated water can splash onto products intended for consumption. This practice also makes items more accessible to rodents and other pests that can spread disease through direct contact or droppings. Inspectors also noted that the milk refrigerator was operating at approximately 48 degrees Fahrenheit, which exceeds the safe temperature range for dairy products. Milk stored above 40 degrees can rapidly develop harmful bacteria, potentially causing severe food poisoning in customers.

Cleaning and Maintenance Deficiencies

The inspection revealed significant cleaning deficiencies throughout the establishment. Floors below and behind equipment were found to be inadequately maintained, creating conditions where bacteria and other contaminants could accumulate and spread to food preparation areas. These unsanitary conditions behind equipment are particularly concerning in food service establishments because they often go unnoticed by customers while harboring dangerous pathogens. The accumulation of debris and moisture in these areas can attract rodents and insects, creating additional contamination risks.

Impact on Inner Richmond Community

The closure affects residents and workers in the bustling Inner Richmond corridor along Geary Boulevard, a popular area for dining and coffee shops. Earth's Coffee had been serving the neighborhood as a local gathering spot, making the health violations particularly concerning for regular customers who may have been exposed to these unsafe conditions. This marks the first recorded health inspection for Earth's Coffee in the city's database, suggesting the establishment may be relatively new to the area. The severity of violations found during what appears to be an initial regulatory review raises questions about the operator's understanding of basic food safety requirements. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, as management must address all violations and pass a subsequent inspection before resuming operations.