Boudin Sourdough Bakery Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent

Boudin Sourdough Bakery/cafe in Inner Richmond received a conditional pass on its November 13, 2025 health inspection after inspectors discovered old rodent droppings in the back storage area along with several other minor violations that require correction. The bakery at 399 10th Avenue can continue operating while addressing the issues found during this inspection. The routine inspection, conducted between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, uncovered seven total violations including one critical violation related to pest control. Health inspectors found old rodent droppings among unused equipment in the back storage area, which required immediate cleaning and sanitizing. The facility was instructed to monitor the area and continue with routine pest control services to prevent future infestations.

Inspection Details

Beyond the rodent droppings, inspectors identified multiple maintenance and operational issues that needed attention. Food manager certificates and food handler cards were not available onsite at the time of the inspection, requiring the establishment to provide copies to the inspector and maintain them onsite going forward. The bakery was also missing its permit to operate, which must be posted in a visible location. Mold-like growth was discovered on door gaskets of both the beverage cooler and cold top prep cooler, requiring thorough cleaning and sanitizing. Inspectors also found cloth towels improperly stored on food preparation surfaces and inside equipment, including under hot holding devices for soups and inside the beverage cooler. This practice was discontinued immediately as it poses contamination risks. The facility had accumulated broken and unused equipment that needed removal, as items not necessary for operations can create cleaning challenges and provide hiding places for pests. Additionally, a roof leak in the upstairs employee break room required repair, and debris buildup behind the pizza oven needed more frequent cleaning to prevent dust accumulation.

Health Violations Found

Two violations were corrected on site during the inspection, demonstrating the staff's willingness to address issues immediately when identified. The critical violation regarding rodent droppings carries particular concern because mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily that may contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and viruses such as hantavirus. The presence of old droppings suggests the need for enhanced pest control measures. The major violations related to equipment storage and building maintenance highlight the importance of proper facility upkeep. Improperly stored utensils and cloth towels can collect airborne bacteria and spread contamination to clean surfaces. Meanwhile, structural issues like roof leaks and debris accumulation create environments where pests can thrive and cleaning becomes difficult.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these violations, the conditional pass allows Boudin Sourdough Bakery/cafe to remain open while correcting the identified issues. The Inner Richmond location, accessible via the 38 Geary bus, continues serving customers while implementing the required improvements. The establishment is expected to address all violations promptly and may face follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. This marks the first recorded inspection for this location in the city's database, making it difficult to assess long-term compliance patterns. The bakery's management must now focus on establishing robust pest control protocols, maintaining proper equipment storage practices, and ensuring all required certifications and permits remain current and accessible. The facility's ability to correct two violations immediately during the inspection suggests a commitment to food safety that should help address the remaining issues efficiently.