Breakfast Little Mission Closed for Cross-Contamination Risk

Breakfast Little in San Francisco's Mission District has been ordered closed by health inspectors following a follow-up inspection that revealed serious cross-contamination violations and improper food handling practices that put customers at immediate risk of foodborne illness. The restaurant at 3275 22nd Street, located near 24th Street Mission BART, failed this inspection on November 4th after health officials discovered multiple critical violations that created dangerous conditions for diners.

Critical Cross-Contamination Violations

The most alarming discovery involved staff pouring raw beaten eggs directly into prep containers while positioned next to other uncovered potentially hazardous foods. Inspectors observed this dangerous practice occurring without first removing nearby food containers, creating a splash contamination risk that could spread salmonella and other harmful bacteria to ready-to-eat items. "Staff pouring raw beaten eggs into prep top containers that were located next to other uncovered potentially hazardous foods without first removing the containers from the prep top," the inspector noted, emphasizing the splash contamination risk and immediate danger to food safety. Adding to the contamination concerns, inspectors found a bacon draining pan being stored on the drain board of the three-compartment sink, creating additional cross-contamination opportunities in the kitchen's cleaning area.

Dangerous Temperature Control Failures

Health officials also discovered two large plastic containers filled with cooked black beans cooling at room temperature without proper temperature control. Staff admitted the beans had been cooling for approximately 30 minutes in conditions that promote rapid bacterial growth. The violation was particularly concerning because the restaurant was using plastic containers instead of stainless steel for cooling. "Plastic insulates heat and does not assist in the rapid cooling process," inspectors explained, noting that this improper cooling method is the number one cause of restaurant foodborne illness. The improper cooling creates ideal conditions for Clostridium perfringens spores to germinate and multiply rapidly, potentially causing severe gastrointestinal illness in customers who consumed the improperly cooled beans.

Additional Equipment Violations

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for poor sanitation practices, finding food residue accumulating on door exteriors and handles of reach-in equipment throughout the kitchen and prep areas. This violation increases the risk of cross-contamination as staff handle contaminated surfaces while preparing food.

First-Time Inspection Results

This appears to be the first recorded health inspection for Breakfast Little, making the severity of violations particularly concerning for a new establishment. The restaurant had no previous inspection history to demonstrate food safety compliance or improvement efforts. The facility received three total violations during the follow-up inspection, with two classified as critical violations requiring immediate attention. One violation was corrected on-site, but the severity of the cross-contamination and temperature control issues necessitated closure. The Mission District restaurant joins a growing list of San Francisco establishments closed for serious health code violations. The closure affects diners in the busy 22nd Street corridor, particularly those using nearby 24th Street Mission BART who frequently visit the area's diverse restaurant options. Breakfast Little has not yet reopened and must address all violations before resuming food service operations.