Joe & the Juice Receives Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issue

Joe & the Juice on Market Street received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on December 1, 2025, allowing the popular SOMA juice bar to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations discovered by health inspectors. The inspection at 525 Market Street revealed four violations requiring attention, including the discovery of rodent droppings in the downstairs storage area along the wall by the electrical panel. Inspector Usman Javaid documented the findings during the 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM inspection, noting that staff immediately began cleaning the contaminated area when the violation was pointed out.

Inspection Details

The most significant issue involved pest control, with inspectors requiring the establishment to eliminate rodents from the facility and clean and sanitize the contaminated area with a dilute bleach solution. The restaurant must also seal all cracks, gaps, and holes to prevent future infestations and submit a pest control report to the inspector's email. Additional violations centered around food safety equipment and sanitation procedures. Inspectors found the mechanical dishwashing machine dispensing zero parts per million of chlorine sanitizer, with utensils present in the non-functional equipment. Staff were instructed to discontinue using the machine until repairs are completed and to utilize the three-compartment sink in the back wash area instead. The sanitizer bucket for food contact surfaces also measured zero parts per million of quaternary ammonia at the time of inspection. However, operators immediately corrected this violation by preparing new sanitizer solution buckets with the proper 200 parts per million concentration. Inspectors also noted the absence of soap at the back handwash sink and found the sanitizer compartment at the three-compartment sink obstructed.

Immediate Corrections

Despite the violations found, several issues were corrected on-site during the inspection. Staff quickly prepared proper sanitizer solutions and began the cleaning process for the rodent-contaminated area. This immediate response contributed to the conditional pass rating, allowing the juice bar near Montgomery St BART to remain open while implementing the necessary corrections. The conditional pass status means Joe & the Juice can continue normal operations while addressing the identified concerns. The restaurant must ensure proper pest control measures are in place, maintain functional dishwashing equipment with appropriate sanitizer levels, and keep handwash sinks properly stocked with soap.

Previous Inspection History

This marks the second recorded inspection for the Market Street location. A previous inspection on October 10, 2025, resulted in a pass rating with minor violations related to produce delivery boxes stored on the floor. Inspector Patrick Wood had recommended acquiring dunnage racks for proper storage, indicating the establishment's ongoing efforts to maintain compliance with health regulations. The juice bar's inspection history shows a pattern of minor operational issues that can be readily addressed through proper procedures and equipment maintenance. The December inspection's violations, while requiring attention, do not pose immediate health risks that would necessitate closure. Located in the bustling SOMA district, Joe & the Juice serves the downtown workforce with fresh juices and light fare. The establishment's ability to quickly address violations during inspection demonstrates management's commitment to food safety standards while maintaining service to the community surrounding the financial district.