SF Restaurant Aziza Closed Over Rodent Droppings, Staffing

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has ordered the immediate closure of Aziza, a restaurant located at 5800 Geary Street in SOMA, following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed serious health violations including rodent infestations and critical staffing deficiencies. During this inspection on October 29, 2025, health inspector Jessica Jang discovered dry rodent droppings scattered behind the hot water heater and on floors behind chairs in the dry storage area. The presence of mice droppings poses severe health risks to customers, as rodents can transmit dangerous pathogens including Salmonella, hantavirus, and other foodborne illnesses through their waste.

Critical Staffing Violations

Adding to the health concerns, inspectors found no certified food safety manager or food handlers present on-site during the inspection. This violation represents a fundamental breakdown in food safety oversight, as certified managers are responsible for ensuring proper temperature control, contamination prevention, and hygiene protocols that protect customers from foodborne illness outbreaks. The restaurant was cited for five total violations, including one critical violation for the rodent infestation. The lack of proper supervision meant that basic food safety protocols were not being maintained, creating additional risks for patrons.

Equipment and Sanitation Issues

Inspectors also discovered that sanitizer buckets lacked adequate concentration at the time of inspection, though this was corrected on-site when staff noticed the sanitizer dispenser was empty. The handwashing station at the cook-line was found obstructed by cooking equipment, preventing employees from properly washing their hands during food preparation. An open side door to the kitchen was also cited as a violation, as it provided an entry point for vermin and compromised the restaurant's pest control efforts. Despite the operator's claims of having pest control services every few days, the presence of rodent droppings indicated ongoing infestation issues.

Health Department Response

The closure represents swift action by the San Francisco Department of Public Health to protect public safety. Inspector Jang noted that while some equipment was functioning properly - refrigerators maintained proper temperatures below 41 degrees, hot water reached at least 120 degrees at all sinks, and the dishwasher was sanitizing correctly - the critical violations posed immediate health risks. The restaurant must address all violations before reopening, including thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing affected areas, continuing pest control efforts to eliminate the rodent presence, ensuring proper staffing with certified food safety personnel, and maintaining unobstructed handwashing stations.

Customer Impact

Located near Montgomery St BART in the busy SOMA district, Aziza served customers who unknowingly faced exposure to rodent-contaminated environments. The restaurant's closure protects the public from potential foodborne illness while the establishment works to resolve these serious health code violations. The facility has no previous inspection history on record, making this the first documented health department evaluation. Customers who recently dined at the establishment should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if concerns arise.