Tonantzin Mexican Cuisine Gets Conditional Pass for Violations

Tonantzin Mexican Cuisine at 101 Hyde Street in Tenderloin received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 24, allowing the Mexican restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing several equipment and sanitation violations that require prompt correction. The inspection, conducted between 11:15 AM and 12:00 PM, revealed six total violations with three classified as major issues requiring immediate attention. Health inspectors documented problems with the restaurant's cooling procedures, dishwasher sanitization system, and ice machine cleanliness that must be resolved to maintain compliance with San Francisco health standards.

Equipment Violations Found

The most significant violation involved the restaurant's mechanical dishwasher, which failed to register any chlorine sanitizer during the final rinse cycle. Inspectors discovered that the sanitizer container connected to the dishwasher was completely empty, forcing staff to rely on manual washing procedures. The three-compartment sink showed proper sanitizer levels at 200 parts per million chlorine bleach, but the primary dishwashing system requires repair to provide adequate sanitization of at least 50 ppm during the final rinse cycle. Food cooling procedures also drew inspector attention when staff were observed cooling a large batch of cooked chicken improperly. The chicken measured 124°F on top and 98°F at the bottom while being cooled in a shallow water pan without sufficient ice. Restaurant staff corrected this violation during this inspection by submerging the food container into a proper ice bath, demonstrating their willingness to address problems immediately. The ice machine presented another concern with inspectors noting a buildup of black slimy substance inside the unit. This violation requires thorough cleaning and sanitization before the equipment can be safely used for beverage service.

Administrative Compliance Issues

Beyond equipment problems, the restaurant failed to display required documentation during the inspection. The food safety manager certification was not posted at the facility, nor were the health permit and latest inspection placard visible to customers as required by city regulations. These administrative violations can be quickly resolved by properly posting the required documents in visible locations. The Tenderloin establishment, located near Powell St BART, operates under permit holder Amalia Avendano Martinez and serves traditional Mexican cuisine to the diverse neighborhood community. The restaurant's phone number is listed as (415) 240-7502 for customers seeking information about dining availability during the correction period.

Conditional Pass Requirements

The conditional pass status allows Tonantzin Mexican Cuisine to remain open for business while addressing the identified violations within the timeframe specified by health inspectors. The restaurant must repair the dishwasher sanitization system, clean the ice machine, and post all required certificates and permits before the next inspection. Restaurant operators demonstrated cooperation during the inspection by immediately correcting the improper food cooling procedures, suggesting a commitment to maintaining health standards. The facility will undergo a follow-up inspection to verify that all major violations have been properly addressed and equipment repairs completed. This represents the first recorded inspection for Tonantzin Mexican Cuisine in the San Francisco Department of Public Health database, establishing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. Customers can continue dining at the restaurant with confidence that identified issues are being actively addressed under health department oversight.