California Produce Market Gets Conditional Pass on Polk Street

California Produce Market Inc received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on December 3, 2025, allowing the Nob Hill establishment to remain open while addressing minor temperature control and equipment maintenance issues. The inspection, conducted by health inspector Amelia Castelli from 1:10 PM to 2:00 PM, identified three violations that require attention but do not pose immediate health risks to customers. The primary concern identified during this inspection involved the produce cooler operating at 46°F, which exceeds the required temperature of 41°F or below for safe food storage. Inspector Castelli documented that the produce cooler measured 46 degrees Fahrenheit, a violation that could potentially allow bacterial growth if not corrected promptly. Temperature control violations represent one of the most common issues in food retail establishments, as maintaining proper cold storage is critical for preventing spoilage and ensuring food safety.

Equipment and Maintenance Issues

Beyond the temperature concerns, inspectors found rusted and deteriorated baskets within the produce cooler, which violates equipment standards requiring clean, well-maintained food contact surfaces. The California Retail Food Code Section 114130 and 114160 mandate that all equipment used in food establishments must be approved, clean, properly installed, in good repair, and of adequate capacity. Rusted equipment can harbor bacteria and compromise food safety, making this a priority correction item. The facility also showed signs of inadequate cleaning maintenance, with inspectors noting dirty floors under shelves and equipment along the wall throughout the entire facility. While this represents a housekeeping issue rather than a direct food safety violation, maintaining clean surfaces is essential for preventing pest attraction and maintaining sanitary conditions.

Conditional Pass Allows Continued Operations

The conditional pass designation means California Produce Market Inc can continue serving customers at its 986 Polk Street location while addressing these correctable violations. Located in the heart of Nob Hill near the Van Ness Muni station, the market provides essential grocery services to the neighborhood and can maintain operations during the correction period. The establishment has demonstrated responsiveness to health department oversight, with the inspection report noting that violations were received by facility representative Abdul. This cooperative approach typically leads to quick resolution of identified issues and successful follow-up inspections.

Compliance Requirements and Timeline

California Produce Market Inc must address the temperature control issue by adjusting or repairing the produce cooler to maintain temperatures at 41°F or below. The rusted baskets require replacement with approved food-grade equipment, and a comprehensive cleaning of floors under equipment must be completed throughout the facility. The San Francisco Department of Public Health typically allows reasonable time frames for businesses to correct conditional pass violations, often requiring follow-up verification within 30 days. The market's ability to remain open during this correction period reflects the minor nature of the violations and the facility's overall compliance with food safety standards. This marks the first recorded inspection for California Produce Market Inc in the city's database, suggesting the establishment may be newly opened or recently transferred ownership. The conditional pass provides a foundation for building a positive inspection history while ensuring customer safety through proper food handling practices. The market can contact Inspector Castelli at amelia.castelli@sfdph.org for guidance on compliance requirements and to schedule follow-up verification once corrections are completed.