SF Cafe Gets Conditional Pass for Food Storage Violations

Harvest Urban Market, a popular cafe located at 191 8th Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during its November 26 health inspection, allowing the establishment to continue serving customers while addressing six minor violations discovered during the routine evaluation. The cafe, situated near Civic Center BART, was found to have manageable issues that do not require closure but need prompt attention to maintain full compliance with San Francisco health standards. Inspector Katherine Tuazon conducted the examination from 9:00 AM to 10:35 AM, identifying violations that restaurant management can address while maintaining normal operations.

Inspection Violations Found

The most significant violation involved improper food storage practices in the walk-in cooler, where raw shell eggs were stored above an uncovered container of broth. This arrangement poses potential cross-contamination risks, as raw eggs can harbor bacteria that may drip onto prepared foods below. Health officials immediately ordered the restaurant to discontinue this practice and properly separate raw and prepared items. Equipment maintenance issues also surfaced during this inspection. The sanitizer dispenser at the warewash sink was found to lack adequate amounts of chlorine or quaternary ammonia sanitizer, compromising the facility's ability to properly sanitize dishware and utensils. One violation was corrected on-site, with staff implementing manual sanitization using 100 ppm chlorine solution while arranging for dispenser service. Additional violations included the presence of unauthorized pest control products, specifically a container of Raid insect spray stored inappropriately in a cabinet beneath the coffee area sink. Health regulations require only approved commercial-grade pest control products in food service establishments, and the inspector ordered immediate removal of the household product.

Minor Maintenance and Cleaning Issues

The inspection also revealed several maintenance-related violations that reflect the need for improved cleaning protocols. Dust accumulation on walk-in freezer fan guards was noted, requiring thorough cleaning to prevent potential contamination and ensure proper equipment function. The front coffee area was missing a paper towel dispenser, an essential sanitation tool for both staff and customer use. Food handling procedures also needed adjustment, as wiping cloths were observed on food preparation counters when not in active use. Proper protocol requires these cloths to be stored in sanitizer solution or used only once before laundering to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these violations, Harvest Urban Market can continue serving the SOMA community while implementing necessary corrections. The conditional pass designation indicates that while improvements are needed, the violations do not pose immediate health risks that would require closure. This allows the popular neighborhood cafe to maintain service for local workers, residents, and commuters utilizing nearby Civic Center BART access. The establishment must provide verification of sanitizer dispenser service to the health department and ensure all other violations are promptly addressed. A follow-up inspection will verify compliance with all requirements before the facility receives full approval. This marks the first recorded inspection for Harvest Urban Market, making it difficult to establish compliance patterns. The restaurant's management now has the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to food safety excellence by quickly addressing all identified issues and establishing strong protocols for future operations.