Mission Shell Convenience Store Closed for Raw Chicken Cross-Con

Mission Shell, a convenience store located at 3550 Mission Street in San Francisco's Mission district, was ordered closed by health inspectors on November 3, 2025, following the discovery of serious cross-contamination violations that put customers at immediate risk of foodborne illness. The most alarming violation discovered during this inspection involved raw chicken stored directly above a "Frazil" slush mixer containing ready-to-eat beverages in an upright cooler. This dangerous storage arrangement allowed raw chicken juices to potentially drip into the slush drinks that customers would consume without any cooking process to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Critical Temperature Violations

Inspectors also found gravy being held at a dangerously low temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit in a countertop hot-holding unit. Food safety regulations require hot foods to be maintained at 140°F or above to prevent the rapid multiplication of dangerous bacteria, particularly Clostridium perfringens, which can cause severe food poisoning. The facility's person in charge voluntarily discarded the contaminated gravy after inspectors pointed out the violation. The convenience store, owned by AU Energy LLC, operates near the busy 24th Street Mission BART station, serving a steady stream of commuters and neighborhood residents who rely on grab-and-go food options.

Equipment Violations Compound Safety Concerns

Adding to the facility's problems, inspectors discovered two ventless cooking equipment units that had been installed without proper approval from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, Fire Department, or Environmental Health Branch. The facility was given 14 days to submit proper plans for review and approval of this unauthorized equipment. Cross-contamination between raw poultry and ready-to-eat foods represents one of the most serious food safety violations possible. When raw chicken juices come into contact with foods that won't be cooked before consumption, dangerous pathogens can cause severe illness in customers within hours of consumption.

Follow-up Inspection Results

The November 3 inspection was conducted as a follow-up to address previous concerns at the facility. Inspector Carlos Barragan conducted the inspection between 10:30 AM and 12:25 PM, documenting three total violations, with two classified as critical health risks requiring immediate correction. While inspectors noted that some violations were corrected on-site, including the relocation of the contaminated slush mixer and disposal of the temperature-abused gravy, the facility remained closed pending full compliance with all health code requirements.

Inspection History and Reopening Status

The facility's inspection history reveals ongoing compliance challenges. Following the closure, a reinspection on November 12 resulted in a conditional pass, but inspectors still found issues including a handwash sink lacking paper towels, a leak requiring repair within seven days, and debris accumulation in the ventilation system above cooking equipment. Mission Shell has not yet achieved full compliance and reopening status as of this report. The facility can be reached at (510) 657-9150 for updates on reopening plans. The closure highlights the ongoing food safety challenges facing convenience stores that serve both packaged goods and prepared foods, particularly those located in high-traffic transit areas where quick service often conflicts with proper food safety protocols.