Atami Sushi Bar in Marina Closed for Raw Fish Safety Issues

A longtime Marina district sushi restaurant was forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered the establishment was serving raw fish dishes without the legally required consumer safety warnings, putting customers at serious risk of foodborne illness. Atami Sushi Bar & Grill, located at 1662 Lombard Street near the 30 Stockton bus line, failed its October 30th routine inspection when inspector Michael Mooney found the restaurant was serving Japanese cuisine including raw fish preparations without providing the mandatory consumer advisory warnings.

Critical Safety Violation

During this inspection, health officials discovered that despite serving sushi, sashimi, and other raw or undercooked fish preparations, the restaurant had no consumer advisory posted on menus or displayed in plain view of customers. This violation represents a serious breach of food safety protocols designed to protect diners from potentially life-threatening foodborne illnesses. The absence of proper consumer advisories means customers were unknowingly consuming raw fish without being informed of the inherent health risks. Raw and undercooked fish can harbor dangerous bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly threatening to pregnant women, young children, elderly patrons, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Consumer advisories are not mere formalities - they serve as crucial warnings about dishes that may contain ingredients associated with salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, and parasitic infections. When restaurants fail to provide these warnings, they leave vulnerable populations exposed to serious health consequences.

Inspection Details

Inspector Michael Mooney conducted the routine inspection on October 30th from 5:15 PM to 5:50 PM. The facility, which has operated continuously for 25 years according to the person in charge, was cited for the consumer advisory violation that ultimately led to its closure. Notably, the inspection report indicated that while the restaurant failed on this critical safety requirement, other aspects of the operation appeared well-maintained. Refrigeration units were operating below the required 41°F, water temperatures exceeded 120°F for proper sanitation, and adequate sanitizer levels were maintained in both sanitizer buckets and the warewash machine. The inspector found no evidence of vermin, no handwashing violations, and no food handling infractions. Hand wash sinks were properly supplied and accessible throughout the facility.

Restaurant Response and Consequences

Person in charge Wiley Tran was present during the inspection but refused to sign the inspection report, indicating potential disagreement with the findings or violation severity. This refusal, while within the establishment's rights, demonstrates the contentious nature of the closure decision. The restaurant's 25-year operational history in the Marina district makes this closure particularly significant for the neighborhood dining scene. Located on busy Lombard Street, the establishment has served generations of local residents and visitors to the Marina area. Inspector Mooney provided his contact information - phone (415) 252-3802 and email michael.mooney@sfdph.org - for any questions regarding the violation or required corrective actions. The facility must address the consumer advisory requirement and pass a reinspection before being permitted to reopen and resume serving customers. For Marina residents who frequent sushi establishments, this closure serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food safety protocols, particularly when consuming raw fish preparations that require specific handling and customer notification procedures.