Lime Tree Restaurant Fails Health Inspection with Temperature Violations

A popular Inner Sunset restaurant failed its health inspection this week after inspectors discovered serious food safety violations that put customers at risk of foodborne illness. Lime Tree, located at 450 Irving Street near the N-Judah line, received a failing grade during a routine inspection on October 29, 2025. The most concerning violation involved dangerous temperature violations that could have exposed diners to serious health risks. Health inspectors found yellow curry being held in the hot holding unit at just 133.7°F, well below the required 135°F minimum temperature for safe food service. According to the California Retail Food Code, this temperature range allows dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens to multiply rapidly, which can cause severe food poisoning.

Critical Food Safety Violations

Inspector Michael Mooney documented multiple serious violations during this inspection. The restaurant's prep top refrigeration unit was maintaining temperatures at 44.9°F, with shrimp, noodles, and meat all measuring between 44.7°F and 44.9°F. This exceeds the maximum safe refrigeration temperature of 41°F required to prevent bacterial growth, particularly concerning given that seafood like shrimp can harbor dangerous pathogens when not properly refrigerated. The curry temperature violation was corrected on-site by reheating the food to 165°F, and the refrigeration thermostat was adjusted during the inspection. However, the inspector emphasized that the restaurant must ensure all potentially hazardous foods are maintained at proper temperatures to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

Beyond the temperature violations, inspectors found significant equipment issues throughout the facility. A leaking spigot at the three-basin sink posed sanitation concerns, while a glass refrigerator door was being held closed with a bungee cord instead of proper repair. The restaurant was also cited for using inappropriate storage containers, specifically reusing plastic jars not intended for repeated food storage in commercial kitchens. Sanitation problems extended throughout the kitchen, with inspectors observing accumulated cooking grease on cook lines and behind equipment. The inspector noted that deep cleaning was needed in, under, around, and behind all cooking equipment using proper degreasing soap and scouring methods.

Structural and Pest Prevention Concerns

The inspection revealed concerning gaps in the restaurant's pest prevention measures. Inspectors found that doors to the ware washing room and rear kitchen entrance lacked proper vermin proofing, creating potential entry points for rodents. While no evidence of rodent activity was found inside the facility, the inspector noted concerning conditions in an adjoining building's alley area. Additional structural issues included the need to seal bare wood surfaces to create smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable surfaces as required by health code 114182. The facility also lacked proper cove base and approved finishes in the kitchen, ware washing room, and restroom areas.

Inspection History and Next Steps

This marks the first recorded inspection for Lime Tree in the city's database, making it impossible to establish patterns of compliance or previous violations. The restaurant received five total violations during the inspection - one major violation that was corrected on-site and four minor violations requiring ongoing attention. The restaurant remains open despite the failing grade, as no closure was ordered. However, Lime Tree must address all cited violations and will likely face a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance with food safety requirements. Customers dining in the Inner Sunset area should be aware of these recent food safety concerns when making dining decisions.