Izumi Kaiten Sushi Fails Reinspection with Mouse Droppings

Izumi Kaiten Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in Pacific Heights, failed a critical reinspection on November 21, 2025, after health inspectors discovered ongoing rodent and cockroach infestations despite warnings issued just one week prior. The reinspection at the restaurant located at 1737 Post Street Suite 355 revealed a disturbing scene that would shock any diner. Health inspector Usman Javaid found old mouse droppings scattered throughout the kitchen, including on the floor under the dishwasher, on a table shelf, on a metal pan containing food ingredients, and alarmingly, on top of the prep cooler where food is stored.

Live Cockroaches Killed During Inspection

The violations extended beyond rodent droppings. During the inspection, restaurant employees killed a live cockroach in front of the inspector, while several other cockroaches were found trapped on pest control devices throughout the facility. This level of infestation poses serious health risks to customers, as cockroaches carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms that can cause severe foodborne illnesses. The health implications for customers are particularly concerning given the nature of Japanese cuisine served at the establishment. Raw fish and other delicate ingredients require the highest standards of cleanliness to prevent contamination with dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and hantavirus, which are commonly found in mouse droppings.

Ventilation System Violations Compound Problems

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors cited the restaurant for major violations related to its ventilation system. The exhaust hood was found without filters, with dirt and debris accumulated on the hood structure. Restaurant management claimed the filters were out for third-party cleaning, but this left the kitchen without proper ventilation to remove toxic gases, heat, grease, vapors, and smoke during food preparation. Additional violations included wet wiping cloths left on food preparation tables instead of being stored in sanitizer buckets, creating additional contamination risks for food served to customers.

Pattern of Violations Following Previous Warnings

This failed reinspection represents a troubling pattern of ongoing violations at the sushi restaurant. The November 21 inspection was conducted specifically to verify that violations from a routine inspection on November 14, 2025, had been corrected. However, the persistence of mouse droppings and cockroach activity demonstrates the restaurant's failure to address serious health hazards even after official warnings. Records show that just five days after this failed reinspection, on November 26, the restaurant underwent yet another inspection, receiving a conditional pass despite continued evidence of rodent activity. Fresh mouse droppings were found on the food serving conveyor belt during that follow-up visit, indicating the infestation remained active.

Health Department Response

The joint inspection was conducted with inspector Alyssa Manzano, emphasizing the serious nature of the violations. Mice typically produce 50 droppings daily, each potentially containing dangerous pathogens. The restaurant was ordered to eliminate the pest infestation using only approved methods and to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected surfaces. For diners in the Pacific Heights area served by Fillmore bus lines, this inspection failure raises serious questions about food safety standards at local dining establishments. The restaurant remains open despite the violations, with a follow-up inspection scheduled for November 28, 2025. Customers seeking Japanese cuisine in the area may want to consider alternative dining options until Izumi Kaiten Sushi demonstrates it can maintain the basic sanitation standards required for safe food service.