Kam Lok Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Issues

Kam Lok Restaurant at 834 Washington Street in Chinatown received a conditional pass during its December 1, 2025 routine health inspection, allowing the popular Chinese restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations requiring correction. Health inspectors identified five violations during this inspection, including one critical issue related to sewage drainage, one major violation involving food storage practices, and three minor infractions concerning cleanliness and equipment maintenance. Despite these findings, the restaurant was not required to close and can continue normal operations while implementing the necessary corrections.

Inspection Details

The most significant violation involved standing water issues in the facility's drainage system. Inspectors observed standing water at the pipe where the walk-in condenser drains wastewater, as well as some standing water in floor drains. The health department recommended that the restaurant ensure wastewater flows freely from the facility and consider using a licensed plumber to address any ongoing drainage problems. A major food safety violation was corrected on-site when inspectors found raw meat and cooked meat stored together on the same shelf. This cross-contamination risk was immediately addressed, with staff receiving guidance on proper food separation according to minimum internal temperature requirements. The inspector provided a Chinese language food safety guide to help ensure compliance.

Minor Cleaning and Equipment Issues

Three minor violations were identified that require attention but do not impact the restaurant's ability to serve customers safely. Inspectors noted a buildup of grime on shelves and fan guards in the walk-in cooler, emphasizing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of these surfaces. Equipment cleanliness issues were found when inspectors discovered unused knives under the counter at the main refrigerator with grime on the blades. The restaurant was advised to ensure all knives and utensils are stored clean and in a sanitary manner. Additionally, inspectors found two packs of cigarettes stored on a shelf under a prep counter, which poses a potential contamination risk. The restaurant was instructed to provide a designated location for employee personal items away from food preparation areas.

Restaurant Operations Continue

The conditional pass designation allows Kam Lok Restaurant to remain open while addressing these correctable issues. Located near the Montgomery St BART station, the establishment serves the busy Chinatown district and can continue welcoming diners without interruption. This marks the restaurant's first recorded inspection in the city's database, making it difficult to assess long-term compliance patterns. However, the fact that one violation was corrected immediately during the inspection demonstrates the restaurant's willingness to address food safety concerns promptly.

Follow-Up Requirements

The San Francisco Department of Public Health will conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure all violations have been properly addressed. The restaurant must resolve the drainage issues, maintain proper food storage protocols, and implement improved cleaning procedures for equipment and storage areas. Restaurant management has been provided with specific guidance on correcting each violation, and the facility can continue serving customers while working toward full compliance. The conditional pass reflects the minor nature of the violations found and the restaurant's ability to operate safely while making the necessary improvements to achieve a full passing grade on the next inspection.