Bear Flag Bakery Fails Inspection Using Tin Cans for Bread

Bear Flag Bakery on Tennessee Street in SOMA failed its health inspection on November 19 after inspectors discovered the establishment was still using tin cans to bake bread despite previous warnings about the dangerous practice. Inspector Farhan Khan cited the bakery for a critical violation of California Retail Food Code sections 114130 and 114160, which require commercial food establishments to use only approved equipment. The inspection, conducted from 12:25 PM to 1:15 PM, resulted in an immediate citation and scheduled abatement conference.

Critical Equipment Violations

The most alarming discovery was the continued use of tin cans as baking vessels for bread production. Health officials had previously warned the bakery about this practice, but inspectors found the establishment was still using the improvised containers during the routine inspection. This represents a serious equipment violation that puts customer health at risk. Commercial kitchens are required to use equipment specifically designed for food service operations. Household items like tin cans cannot withstand the repeated heating cycles and cleaning procedures required in commercial food production. These containers develop microscopic cracks and crevices where harmful bacteria can harbor and multiply, creating a breeding ground for foodborne pathogens.

Health Risks to Customers

The use of inappropriate baking equipment poses significant health risks to customers purchasing bread from Bear Flag Bakery. Tin cans are not designed for repeated exposure to high temperatures and aggressive cleaning chemicals used in commercial kitchens. Over time, these containers can leach harmful metals into food products and provide hiding places for dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. The metal composition of household tin cans may also release toxic compounds when heated repeatedly at commercial baking temperatures. These substances can accumulate in baked goods and pose long-term health risks to consumers, particularly children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Location and Community Impact

Bear Flag Bakery operates at 1661 Tennessee Street Suite 2K in the heart of SOMA, an area experiencing rapid development near the 4th & King Caltrain station. The bakery serves residents in this growing neighborhood who rely on local food establishments to maintain proper health and safety standards. The violation is particularly concerning given the establishment's role as a neighborhood bakery where customers expect fresh, safely prepared baked goods. Many patrons likely purchased bread products that were prepared using the contaminated tin can equipment without knowing about the health risks.

Enforcement Action

Following the failed inspection, health officials issued a citation to owner Greg Harmon and scheduled an abatement conference to address the violations. The bakery was not forced to close but must correct the equipment issues to avoid further penalties. This marks the first recorded health inspection for Bear Flag Bakery, making it unclear whether the tin can usage represents a long-standing practice or recent cost-cutting measure. The fact that inspectors had previously warned the establishment about this violation suggests ongoing non-compliance with health regulations. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will likely require the bakery to replace all inappropriate equipment with commercial-grade alternatives before clearing the violation.