SF Indian Restaurant Closed for Cockroaches in Oven & Mice

The San Francisco Department of Public Health immediately suspended the operating permit for Spice of America on October 31 after inspectors discovered what they described as a "severe vermin infestation throughout facility" that included live cockroaches living inside the oven and a juvenile rodent discovered upstairs amid heavy droppings and the pungent odor of urine. The SOMA Indian restaurant at 1655 Market Street near Civic Center BART was closed during a routine inspection that revealed disturbing conditions throughout the kitchen and storage areas. Inspectors found live cockroaches of various life stages inside the oven door and panel crevices, with several dying cockroaches visible on glue traps near the cooking line.

Extensive Rodent and Insect Infestation

The inspection revealed a comprehensive pest problem extending beyond the kitchen. A live juvenile rodent was discovered in the upstairs ventilation space, surrounded by heavy accumulations of droppings and nesting material. Rodent droppings contaminated multiple areas including inside storage cabinets near restrooms, the chest freezer compressor area, on top of food storage containers, and inside boxes of takeout container lids. Health officials noted particularly concerning violations involving flies contaminating food directly. Inspectors observed filth flies inside a sauce bottle and on its lid, requiring immediate disposal. Heavy filth fly activity was documented near the automatic dishwasher and prep areas, with flies landing on food contact surfaces and prepared food items.

Equipment Failures and Sanitation Issues

The facility's critical food safety equipment was found in various states of disrepair. The automatic dishwasher's sanitizer measured only 25 parts per million, half the required 50 PPM needed to effectively kill bacteria and pathogens. Multiple refrigeration units were non-operational, including an upright refrigerator with mold growing inside. The inspection also revealed severe cleanliness violations throughout the cooking area. Accumulated grease coated cooking equipment including the oven, range, flat top grill, and areas underneath the hood and fire suppression nozzles. Food residue and dead cockroaches were found on kitchen walls and flooring beneath the cooking line.

Health Risks to Customers

The combination of pest infestation and equipment failures posed significant health risks to customers dining at the restaurant. Cockroaches can carry over 30 different bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, while rodent contamination can transmit diseases through droppings and urine including Hantavirus and Leptospirosis. The contaminated food contact surfaces and malfunctioning sanitizing equipment created ideal conditions for cross-contamination and bacterial growth. Customers who dined at the restaurant prior to closure may have been exposed to foodborne pathogens through contaminated utensils, dishes, and food preparation surfaces.

Previous Inspection History

This inspection marked the restaurant's second documented inspection in the city's database. The facility attempted to reopen but failed a reinspection on November 12, where inspectors continued to find ongoing pest issues including another live cockroach in the oven and persistent rodent droppings in the loft area. The restaurant, operated by The Spice Club LLC, remains closed pending resolution of all health violations and successful completion of a reinspection process. The facility must address all pest control issues, repair equipment, and thoroughly clean and sanitize all areas before being permitted to resume food service operations.