Mandarin House SF Closed After Mouse Droppings Found in Kitchen

Mandarin House SF, a Chinese restaurant in the Mission District, remains shuttered after health inspectors discovered rodent droppings scattered throughout food preparation areas during a failed reinspection on November 7, 2025. The disturbing findings at 3452 Mission Street near 24th St Mission BART included mouse droppings on speed racks used for food storage and on shelves in the food preparation area where meals are assembled. Inspector Cristina Zepeda conducted the reinspection following an initial closure on November 5, but the facility failed to achieve compliance with basic sanitation standards.

Critical Health Violations Found

The most alarming discovery involved active rodent infestation in areas where food is handled daily. Health officials documented droppings on equipment used to store ingredients and on surfaces where meals are prepared for customers. While inspectors noted that no food was found directly contaminated, the presence of rodent waste in food preparation zones creates severe health risks. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily, each potentially carrying dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. These disease-causing organisms can survive on surfaces for extended periods, creating ongoing contamination risks for anyone consuming food prepared in the affected areas. The restaurant operator presented a pest control report dated October 15, 2025, which claimed no visible signs of pests were found. However, the November inspection revealed clear evidence that rodent activity had either resumed or been missed entirely during the previous assessment.

Additional Sanitation Failures

Beyond the rodent problem, inspectors documented widespread cleanliness failures throughout the kitchen. All hand-contact surfaces required immediate attention, including refrigeration handles, door knobs, and sink handles that staff touch repeatedly during food preparation. The exhaust hood system showed extensive grease buildup, creating fire hazards and providing breeding grounds for bacteria. Inspectors ordered complete degreasing and sanitization of the hood interior, filters, and the entire cook's line where meals are prepared. Food storage areas also failed to meet basic standards, with the ceiling requiring degreasing and repainting to eliminate accumulated contaminants that could fall into food.

Impact on Mission District Dining

The closure affects dining options near the busy 24th Street BART station, where Mandarin House SF served the local community and transit commuters. The Chinese restaurant had operated at the Mission Street location, contributing to the neighborhood's diverse culinary landscape.

Restaurant Remains Closed

As of the November 7 reinspection, Mandarin House SF has not reopened. The facility must address all documented violations and pass a follow-up inspection before resuming food service. The San Francisco Department of Public Health requires complete remediation of the rodent infestation, thorough cleaning of all food contact and hand-contact surfaces, and proper maintenance of ventilation systems. Customers who dined at the restaurant before its initial November 5 closure should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should consult a healthcare provider immediately. The restaurant can be reached at (415) 982-1768 for information about reopening plans. *Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections*