Mission Grocery A-z Deli Closed for Dirty Equipment Violations

A-z Deli Inc, a grocery market located at 3325 24th Street in San Francisco's vibrant Mission district, has been ordered to close by the San Francisco Department of Public Health after failing a critical follow-up inspection on November 4, 2025. Health inspectors discovered alarming sanitation violations during this inspection that posed serious risks to customer safety. The facility was found with food residue contaminating the exterior doors and handles of both refrigerator and freezer equipment, creating dangerous conditions for cross contamination.

Critical Health Violations Discovered

Inspector Tiombe Wiley documented multiple instances of the same critical violation during the 40-minute inspection, which ran from 1:45 PM to 2:25 PM. The repeated citations for nonfood contact surface cleanliness violations under California Retail Food Code sections 114115 and 114117 indicate a systematic failure in the facility's sanitation protocols. The contaminated refrigerator and freezer handles represent a significant public health hazard, as customers and staff regularly touch these surfaces while accessing food products. Food residue on these equipment surfaces creates ideal breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and can lead to serious foodborne illnesses including salmonella and E. coli infections. Health experts warn that dirty surfaces in food establishments serve as reservoirs for dangerous pathogens. The accumulated food debris on the equipment doors attracts pests like rodents and cockroaches, which can then spread additional contaminants throughout the facility.

Follow-Up Inspection Failures

The November 4th visit was conducted as a follow-up inspection, suggesting the facility had previously been cited for violations requiring verification of corrective action. The fact that A-z Deli failed this follow-up inspection indicates the grocery market had not adequately addressed earlier health concerns. During the inspection, health officials also discovered issues with a dipper well that was not functioning properly, with water measuring only 70 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 135 degrees. Staff had just turned on the unit when inspectors arrived, suggesting the equipment had been improperly maintained. Dipper well water must remain at proper temperature at all times and be changed every four hours or when visibly dirty.

Mission District Impact

The closure affects residents in the bustling Mission neighborhood, particularly those who rely on the grocery market's proximity to the 24th St Mission BART station. The facility's location on 24th Street places it in the heart of the district's commercial corridor, where many residents depend on local markets for daily essentials.

Enforcement Action and Next Steps

Inspector Wiley ordered immediate corrective actions, instructing the facility to implement daily cleaning protocols to eliminate the cross contamination risk. The grocery market received a failing grade and was forced to close until all violations are properly addressed and verified through reinspection. The facility has not yet reopened, and no timeline has been established for when operations might resume. A-z Deli Inc must demonstrate full compliance with all health code requirements before being permitted to serve customers again. This closure serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining proper sanitation standards in food establishments, particularly in high-traffic areas where contamination can quickly spread to numerous customers.