Amal's Deli Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Violations

Amal's Deli on Haight Street received a conditional pass on its health inspection November 20, allowing the popular Haight-Ashbury deli to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations that require correction. The routine inspection conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health found six total violations, with most being minor issues that can be readily resolved.

Inspection Details

The inspection at 1416 Haight Street revealed two major violations and four minor violations, with one violation corrected on-site during the inspector's visit. The primary concerns centered around expired food manager certification, inadequate hot water temperature at 115°F instead of the required 120°F, and improper handwashing practices by staff members. During this inspection, conducted between 3:20 PM and 4:00 PM, inspectors observed a staff member rinsing hands in the food prep sink rather than the designated handwashing station. The employee immediately corrected this practice after the inspector's explanation, and the violation was marked as resolved on-site with food safety guides provided to staff. The hot water temperature violation requires the establishment to ensure consistent 120°F water availability at all times. If the current water heater cannot maintain this temperature, the restaurant must contact the District inspector for SFDPH review and approval before purchasing or installing new equipment.

Minor Violations Requiring Attention

Additional violations included the presence of household pesticide spray in the restroom, which must be removed from the facility. Only licensed applicators may apply toxic pest control products according to label instructions, and household pest control products are prohibited in commercial food establishments. The inspection also noted bare wood shelving in the rear of the facility that needs sealing to create smooth, easily cleanable, and non-absorbent surfaces. Damage to flooring in the walk-in area was cited, requiring repair to ensure surfaces remain smooth, durable, and easily cleanable according to health code standards. The most significant administrative violation involved an expired food safety manager certification. The restaurant must provide at least one current manager's food safety certificate for an employee who oversees food safety operations daily, along with food handler cards for all other employees, which must be retained on-site for future inspections.

Restaurant Operations Continue

The conditional pass status allows Amal's Deli to remain open for business while working to correct these violations. Located near the N-Judah line and Cole Valley, the deli continues to serve the vibrant Haight-Ashbury community, known for its eclectic dining scene and neighborhood establishments. This marks the first inspection on record for Amal's Deli, which is operated by Hope of the Haight Inc. The establishment specializes in deli fare and has become a neighborhood fixture at its Haight Street location. The restaurant can be contacted at (415) 626-7457 for questions about their menu or hours of operation.

Follow-Up Requirements

The San Francisco Department of Public Health will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that all violations have been properly addressed. The restaurant must demonstrate compliance with hot water temperature requirements, provide updated food safety certifications, and complete necessary facility repairs before receiving a full passing grade. The conditional pass reflects the minor nature of the violations found and the restaurant's ability to operate safely while implementing corrections. Most violations cited can be resolved through administrative updates, equipment adjustments, and minor facility maintenance rather than major operational changes.