De Afghan Kabob House Gets Conditional Pass - Minor Issues

De Afghan Kabob House on Kearny Street in Chinatown received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on December 4, 2024, allowing the restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations that require correction but do not pose immediate health risks. The inspection, conducted between 2:30 PM and 3:45 PM, identified three violations that demonstrate the restaurant's overall commitment to food safety while highlighting areas for improvement. The establishment remains open and operational, serving its Afghan cuisine to patrons near the Montgomery St BART station.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials found that meat stored in an upright refrigerator at the cook's line had reached an unsafe temperature of 57°F, with the unit's ambient temperature measuring 61°F. However, the issue was immediately corrected on-site when staff relocated all affected meat to the walk-in cooler to rapidly cool it to the required 41°F or below. The inspector noted that the meat had been placed in the malfunctioning unit less than four hours before the inspection, minimizing potential health risks. The restaurant's person in charge demonstrated proper food safety protocols by quickly addressing the temperature concern and agreeing not to use the problematic cooler until it can maintain proper holding temperatures for potentially hazardous foods.

Administrative and Maintenance Issues

The inspection also revealed that the restaurant's food safety manager certification was missing from the premises. This administrative violation requires the establishment to provide documentation of their certified food safety manager to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The inspector has requested that the certification be emailed to the health department for verification. Additionally, health officials observed grease accumulation on the exhaust hood filters, noting the need for thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure adequate ventilation. This type of maintenance issue is common in busy restaurant kitchens and is easily addressed through regular cleaning protocols.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Located at 321 Kearny Street in the heart of Chinatown, De Afghan Kabob House serves traditional Afghan cuisine in one of San Francisco's most vibrant dining districts. The restaurant, owned by Jayhoon Fedaiy, continues to welcome customers while working to address the minor violations identified during the inspection. The conditional pass status allows restaurants to remain operational while making necessary corrections, reflecting the minor nature of the violations found. This approach recognizes that the identified issues, while requiring attention, do not present immediate dangers to public health when properly managed.

First Inspection Record

This marks the first recorded health inspection for De Afghan Kabob House in the city's database, establishing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. The restaurant's quick response to temperature control issues and willingness to address administrative requirements demonstrate a proactive approach to food safety management. Health inspectors will likely conduct a follow-up visit to ensure that the refrigeration equipment has been repaired or replaced and that proper documentation is maintained on-site. The restaurant's location in Chinatown, easily accessible via public transportation including the nearby Montgomery Street BART station, makes it a convenient dining option for both residents and visitors seeking authentic Afghan cuisine. The establishment's ability to correct violations on-site and maintain operations while addressing minor issues reflects the collaborative approach between San Francisco's health department and local restaurants in maintaining food safety standards throughout the city's diverse culinary landscape.