A routine health inspection conducted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health has resulted in the temporary closure of Local Roots, a restaurant located at 70 Leidesdorff St, San Francisco, CA. This inspection, which took place on November 4, 2025, also involved an investigation into a potential foodborne illness.
During the inspection, numerous health violations were identified, prompting the closure. Management at Local Roots voluntarily disposed of various food items due to temperature abuse and a lack of proper refrigeration. The inspection report detailed several specific violations that raised concerns about food safety.
Inspection Findings
Among the issues cited, several potentially hazardous foods were found to be stored at unsafe temperatures. For example, cauliflower was recorded at 120°F, while cooked sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts measured at 108°F. Other items, including cream cheese, blue cheese, and sliced tomatoes, were similarly found to be above recommended temperatures, with readings of 53°F, 60°F, and 59°F respectively. Pinto beans and black beans were also measured at 52°F, while chicken salad and hard-boiled eggs registered at 55°F.
Additionally, the report highlighted that a chlorine sanitizer measured zero parts per million (ppm) during the dishwashing machine’s sanitizing cycle. The quaternary ammonium level in the towel bucket at the front counter also read zero ppm. Further violations included unlabeled containers with bulk food ingredients, malfunctioning coolers, and an inoperable toilet in the customer restroom.
Next Steps for Local Roots
The restaurant’s management has been instructed to rectify these issues before undergoing a follow-up inspection. They may also request a hearing within 15 days of the original inspection to contest the findings. The health department will conduct a reinspection after management has addressed the violations, allowing Local Roots to potentially reopen.
A full health report detailing the inspection and its findings is available online. The report focuses solely on the routine inspection, with an additional report concerning the foodborne illness investigation expected to be released in the near future. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The situation at Local Roots underscores the importance of compliance with health regulations in the food service industry, highlighting the need for restaurants to maintain rigorous safety standards to protect public health.
