San Francisco health inspectors ordered Fish & Farm, a New American gastropub in the Financial District, to shut its doors after yesterday's inspection found sewage backing up onto the kitchen floor, malfunctioning sinks, and food stored at unsafe temperatures. The city's Department of Public Health suspended the restaurant's health permit and told staff they must correct the violations before they can request a reinspection.
What Inspectors Found
According to the inspection report, inspectors documented overflowing sewage from a sink under the two-compartment prep sink and drain water spilling from the floor drain near the entrance to the upstairs walk-in cooler. They also noted a condenser leaking into a bucket in a walk-in cooler, unsecured CO₂ cylinders stored in a cooler, and a container of milk measuring 56°F that was discarded during the visit.
Coverage by WhatNow and the official inspection report describe additional issues, including broken faucets, inoperable handwashing sinks, and sanitizer levels below the required strength. The report is posted online at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
About the Restaurant
Fish & Farm operates at 424 Clay Street and markets itself as a New American restaurant and gastropub that emphasizes locally sourced seafood and produce. The restaurant's website lists its hours, menus, and a farm-to-table focus, and Hoodline previously covered the spot's Financial District reopening in 2015. The two-story layout at the FiDi address is noted in public listings and on the business' own site.
Closure and Next Steps
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has suspended Fish & Farm's health permit and ordered the restaurant closed until the documented violations are corrected. The inspection record states that the operator must fix all violations before requesting a reinspection, which is to be scheduled within 15 days or upon request, according to the department's inspection record.
In practical terms, that means the doors stay locked until inspectors are satisfied that the plumbing, equipment, and food-handling are back in compliance with code.
What the Suspension Means
A permit suspension is a temporary enforcement step intended to protect the public while an operator corrects critical violations. Yesterday's record lists corrective actions that include discarding unsafe products, repairing broken faucets and sinks, installing or restoring backflow prevention, and ensuring sanitizer strength meets the required level.
The inspection notes that the dishwashing machine's chlorine sanitizer measured below the required concentration during the sanitize cycle and reiterates that potentially hazardous foods must be stored below 41°F or above 135°F. After inspectors verify repairs and safe handling, the department can reinstate the permit following a successful reinspection, according to the inspection record.
