Uni Pizzeria & Grill Gets Conditional Pass on Minor Issues

Uni Pizzeria & Grill on Polk Street received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 12, demonstrating that while the Nob Hill Italian restaurant maintains safe operations, several minor violations require prompt attention to achieve full compliance. The conditional pass designation allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing correctable issues identified during this inspection. Unlike failed inspections that result in immediate closures, conditional passes indicate facilities that can operate safely while making necessary improvements.

Inspection Details

Health inspectors cited 11 total violations during the afternoon inspection, including two critical violations that require immediate attention. The most pressing issue involves handwashing facilities, with one sink in the hallway between the service line and rear kitchen being inoperable due to a leak. The restaurant has 48 hours to repair and restore this essential sanitation facility, with a follow-up inspection scheduled to verify completion. A second critical violation involved the discovery of rodent poison blocks stored improperly in the kitchen corner near refrigerators. Inspectors required immediate removal of the loose poison, emphasizing that only licensed applicators should handle such toxic materials according to product labeling requirements. The kitchen handwash sink lacked hot water during the inspection, violating requirements for water temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This issue affects both employee handwashing capabilities and dish sanitization procedures essential for preventing foodborne illness transmission.

Food Safety and Certification Issues

Several violations related to food safety documentation and procedures were identified. The restaurant lacked visible manager food safety certificates and employee food handler cards specific to this location. Inspectors emphasized these credentials must be maintained on-site for future reference and compliance verification. Food labeling presented another area requiring attention, particularly regarding Time and Temperature for Public Health Control protocols. All pizza pies were missing required TPHC labels indicating preparation times and discard schedules. The inspector provided guidance on proper documentation systems to maintain this critical food safety program. Contaminated ricotta discovered under the counter was immediately discarded during the inspection, demonstrating the restaurant's willingness to address food safety concerns promptly when identified.

Operational Improvements

Additional minor violations included improper food thawing methods, with pork ribs observed thawing on the back prep table rather than using approved techniques. Staff training issues were noted regarding latex glove usage, which violates allergen safety protocols, and improper storage of soiled wiping cloths and employee beverages in food preparation areas. The restaurant near Van Ness Muni stations demonstrated cooperation throughout the inspection process, with management immediately addressing violations that could be corrected on-site. This proactive approach indicates the establishment's commitment to maintaining food safety standards while serving the Nob Hill community.

Moving Forward

As a newly opened establishment with no previous inspection history, Uni Pizzeria & Grill's conditional pass reflects typical challenges faced by restaurants establishing their operational procedures. The 48-hour timeline for critical repairs ensures minimal disruption to service while addressing essential sanitation infrastructure. The conditional pass allows continued operation while demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to achieving full compliance through systematic correction of identified issues.