Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store Closed for Pest, Food Safety

Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district has been ordered closed by health inspectors following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed critical violations involving pest control and food safety protocols. The grocery/market at 5540 Geary Boulevard was shuttered on November 4, 2025, after inspectors discovered serious deficiencies that pose immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Violations Lead to Closure

Health inspectors conducting this inspection found the establishment in violation of critical pest control requirements, specifically citing "no insects, rodents, birds or nonservice animals" regulations. The most concerning discovery involved the facility's food preparation areas, where inspectors observed churchkhela - a traditional walnut and grape syrup confection - being dried in an upstairs area with compromised structural integrity. Inspector Jessica Jang documented metal flashing gaps in both walls and floors surrounding the food drying setup, creating entry points for rodents and insects to contaminate food products. These structural deficiencies represent a direct pathway for pest infestation, putting customers at risk of exposure to disease-carrying vermin and their droppings.

Food Protection Failures Compound Health Risks

The inspection revealed multiple violations of food separation and protection standards, with the same compromised drying area cited twice for failing to maintain proper food safety protocols. The exposed churchkhela preparation represents a significant contamination risk, as the traditional candy requires extended drying periods during which it remains vulnerable to pest contact and environmental contaminants. Health experts warn that improperly protected food in environments with structural gaps can become contaminated with salmonella, E. coli, and other dangerous pathogens carried by mice and cockroaches. The combination of exposed food and compromised building integrity creates ideal conditions for widespread contamination that could affect multiple products throughout the store.

Outer Richmond Community Impact

The closure affects residents of the Outer Richmond neighborhood, particularly those who rely on the 38 Geary bus line and frequent the establishment for specialty Georgian and Eastern European grocery items. Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store serves a diverse community seeking authentic international foods, making the safety violations particularly concerning given the specialized nature of many products. The facility's permit is held by Moscow & Tbilisi Bakry Str Inc, and the establishment has not yet received clearance to reopen. Health department records indicate this was a follow-up inspection, suggesting previous compliance issues that the facility failed to adequately address.

Health Department Response

Inspector Jang's report emphasizes the serious nature of the violations, which prompted immediate closure rather than a conditional pass with corrective measures. The facility must address all structural deficiencies, implement proper pest control measures, and establish compliant food protection protocols before consideration for reopening. Customers who recently purchased items from the establishment, particularly fresh or prepared foods, are advised to monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if concerns arise. The health department continues monitoring the situation and will conduct reinspection only after the facility demonstrates comprehensive corrections to all cited violations. The establishment's phone number is (415) 668-6959 for customers seeking information about the closure status.