Safeway Store Gets Conditional Pass for Temperature Issues

Safeway #2646 in the Inner Richmond district received a conditional health inspection pass on December 4, 2025, after health officials discovered temperature control violations in the store's deli section along with handwashing facility issues. The grocery store at 735 7th Avenue was able to correct most violations immediately during the routine inspection, allowing it to continue normal operations while addressing remaining concerns.

Temperature Control Violations Found

The most significant issue discovered during this inspection involved a malfunctioning two-door Traulson refrigerator unit in the deli department. Health inspectors found the unit maintaining an ambient temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above the safe threshold for cold storage. More concerning were the cooked food items stored overnight at unsafe temperatures, including chicken nuggets at 45 degrees, cooked meatloaf at 46 degrees, and chicken pot pie at 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Store employees immediately discontinued use of the malfunctioning refrigerator and voluntarily discarded all affected food items to prevent any potential health risks to customers. The inspector also noted overfilled food inserts in the deli area, which can compromise proper temperature maintenance and food safety protocols.

Handwashing Facility Issues

Inspectors also identified a handwashing violation when they observed rubber gloves being stored on the splash guards of the deli handwashing sink. This practice violates health code requirements as it can obstruct proper handwashing procedures and contaminate cleaning supplies. Store staff corrected this issue immediately by relocating the gloves to an appropriate storage area. The handwashing sink obstruction represents a particularly important violation since proper hand hygiene is critical in food preparation areas. Studies show that only 31 percent of food service workers wash their hands properly when handwashing supplies and facilities are inadequate, potentially leading to widespread contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks.

Structural Repairs Needed

A minor structural issue was also identified during the inspection when officials discovered a hole in the wall under the deli's three-compartment sink where plumbing pipes pass through. Health code requires that any holes or gaps in floors, walls, or ceilings measuring one-quarter inch or larger must be properly sealed to prevent pest intrusion and maintain sanitary conditions. While this violation was noted for correction, it did not pose an immediate threat to food safety operations and can be addressed during routine maintenance without affecting customer service.

Continued Operations and Follow-up

Despite the violations found, Safeway #2646 remains open for business as the conditional pass allows normal operations to continue while the store addresses the identified issues. The grocery store serves the Inner Richmond community and is conveniently located near the 38 Geary bus line, making it an important neighborhood resource for residents. The store will need to repair or replace the malfunctioning refrigerator unit and complete the structural wall repair before the follow-up inspection. Health officials will return to verify that all corrective measures have been properly implemented and that food safety protocols are being maintained according to California Retail Food Code standards. This marks the first recorded health inspection for this Safeway location, providing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. The store's quick response to correct violations during the inspection demonstrates a commitment to maintaining food safety standards for the Inner Richmond community.