Pacific Heights Japanese Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass

Izumi Kaiten Sushi in Pacific Heights received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on November 26, 2025, marking progress in addressing ongoing pest control issues while still requiring additional corrective measures. The Japanese restaurant at 1737 Post Street can continue operating while working to eliminate remaining pest control concerns. During this inspection, health inspector Usman Javaid found one fresh mouse dropping on the food serving conveyor belt and several old droppings along the kitchen wall, indicating that the facility's rodent and cockroach infestation persists despite ongoing remediation efforts. The inspection, conducted between 11:40 AM and 12:00 PM, represented the second reinspection following previous failed inspections.

Inspection Progress Noted

The conditional pass status reflects meaningful improvements in several areas that had previously failed inspection standards. Inspector reports indicate that violations from prior inspections have been corrected, including exhaust hood filter maintenance and proper sanitizer bucket compliance. These corrections demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to addressing health department concerns systematically. The facility must now eliminate all pests, remove existing droppings, and sanitize affected surfaces with dilute chlorine solution. Health officials have mandated that the restaurant seal entry points using approved methods, specifically noting that spray foams are not acceptable for this purpose. The establishment must continue regular pest control services and submit pest control reports twice monthly to the inspector's email.

Ongoing Pest Control Requirements

The inspection revealed that despite previous remediation efforts, the pest infestation has not been fully eliminated. The discovery of fresh mouse droppings on the conveyor belt - a critical food contact surface - represents a serious food safety concern that requires immediate attention. Health officials emphasize the importance of comprehensive pest control measures, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing harmful pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The restaurant's management must work closely with professional pest control services to identify and seal entry points throughout the facility. Regular monitoring and documentation will be essential for achieving full compliance and earning a passing grade on future inspections.

Previous Inspection History

Previous inspection records show that Izumi Kaiten Sushi has been working to address these pest control issues for several weeks. A November 21 reinspection resulted in a failed grade, with inspectors finding mouse droppings in multiple areas and observing live cockroaches during the visit. The facility's inspection history reflects the challenging nature of eliminating established pest infestations in food service environments. The restaurant serves sushi and other Japanese cuisine to residents and visitors in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, with convenient access via Fillmore bus lines. The conditional pass allows the establishment to continue serving customers while implementing the required pest control measures under health department oversight. Restaurant management has demonstrated cooperation with health officials by addressing previous violations related to equipment maintenance and sanitation protocols. The facility now faces the critical task of completely eliminating the pest infestation to achieve full compliance and protect public health in this busy Pacific Heights dining establishment.