CONDITIONAL
Emperor Palace Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection
November 19, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Routine Inspection
10
Total Violations
1
Critical
6
Major
3
Minor
3
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Routine inspection revealed multiple food safety violations including fruit flies and house flies throughout the facility, moldy preserved vegetables that were discarded, and low sanitizer concentration. Additional concerns included expired food manager certification, missing food handler cards for two employees, improper thawing methods, uncovered food containers, and poor cleaning of equipment and floors with grease buildup.
Violations Cited
10
#23
CRITICAL
NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR NONSERVICE ANIMALS
Why This Matters
Mice produce 50 droppings daily containing Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 bacteria types and 6 parasitic worms. Rats spread plague and leptospirosis.
What Was Observed
Observed several house flies and fruit flies in the facility. Work with your pest control company to eliminate from the facility. Maintain all door closed or provide screens to door if left open for ventilation.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114259, 114259.1, 114259.3
#13
CORRECTED
MAJOR
FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, AND UNADULTERATED
What Was Observed
Observed container of preserved vegetables in two-door refrigerator unit to have mold growth on the top layer of the liquid it was placed in. DISCARD the contaminated foods. DISCONTINUE keeping foods after they are no longer edeible. COS - PIC voluntarily discarded the preserved vegetables.
#14
CORRECTED
MAJOR
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES: CLEAN AND SANITIZED
Why This Matters
Dirty cutting boards and utensils cause 76% of cross-contamination. Biofilms protect bacteria from cleaning. One contaminated surface spreads pathogens to dozens of foods.
What Was Observed
Observed sanitizer bucket concentration to be too low, measured at approximately 25ppm. IMMEDIATELY prepare a new bucket with approved sanitizer and clean and sanitize food prep surfaces. COS - PIC prepared a 100ppm chlorine sanitizing bucket.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#26
CORRECTED
MAJOR
APPROVED THAWING METHODS IN USE
Why This Matters
Improper vacuum packaging creates anaerobic conditions allowing Clostridium botulinum growth. Botulism is fatal in 5-10% of cases. Causes paralysis and respiratory failure.
What Was Observed
Observed frozen shrimp dethawing in the three compartment sink. DISCONTINUE this unapproved practice. Dethaw food in only the approved methods listed above. COS - PIC placed into the cooler.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114419
#27
MAJOR
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
Why This Matters
Raw chicken drips contaminate everything below with Salmonella and Campylobacter. Cross-contamination causes massive outbreaks affecting hundreds.
What Was Observed
1) Observed many uncovered foods container in several different refrigerator units. PROVIDE lids/covers to all food containers.
2) Observed several uncovered double stacked food containers. DISCONTINUE stacking uncovered food containers. COS.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113986, 113988
#33
MAJOR
NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces harbor pests and serve as bacteria reservoirs. Accumulated grease and food debris attract cockroaches and rodents.
What Was Observed
1) Observed many refrigerator door gasket to have mold like growth and debris buildup. CLEAN and SANITIZE all refrigerator door gaskets. Clean more frequently to prevent the buildup from occurring.
2) Observed excessive grease and food debris on the deep fat fryer and oven adjacent to the fryer. CLEAN and DEGREASE the equipment surfaces.
3) Observed food debris on refrigerator door handles. CLEAN and SANITIZE.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114115, 114117
#44
MAJOR
FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILING: BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN
Why This Matters
Cracks and holes allow pest entry and make cleaning impossible. Deteriorated surfaces harbor bacteria that contaminate food and equipment.
What Was Observed
Observed food and grease buildup on the floors under the cooks line equipment. CLEAN and DEGREASE the floors. Clean this area more frequently to prevent the accumulation from occurring.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114143, 114266
#1B
MINOR
FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATION AND FOOD HANDLER CARD
Why This Matters
Certified managers reduce critical violations by 60%. They understand temperature control, contamination prevention, and proper hygiene that prevents outbreaks.
What Was Observed
1) Observed the food manager certificate to be expired. Renew and send a copy to your inspector to Lucas.willis@sfdph.org.
2) Observed two employees without food handler cards. Send a copy of their valid food handler cards to your inspector via email above.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113947.1
#39
MINOR
WIPING CLOTHS; PROPERLY USED AND STORED
Why This Matters
Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across surfaces. Cloths used on raw meat spread Salmonella and E. coli throughout kitchen.
What Was Observed
Observed several soiled wiping clothes left out on food prep surfaces. DISCONTINUE this unnapproved practice. Keep the wiping clothes in the sanitizing bucket when not in use.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099.6
#39
MINOR
WIPING CLOTHS; PROPERLY USED AND STORED
Why This Matters
Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across surfaces. Cloths used on raw meat spread Salmonella and E. coli throughout kitchen.
What Was Observed
Observed several soiled wiping clothes left out on food prep surfaces. DISCONTINUE this unnapproved practice. Keep the wiping clothes in the sanitizing bucket when not in use.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099.6