During a routine inspection on July 31, officials with the San Francisco Department of Health identified a cockroach infestation at Matko, a Korean restaurant. The infestation led to the closure and the temporary suspension of all food handling activities.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on July 31 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.
Highlights
- Matko was ordered closed on July 31 following a routine inspection by officials of the health department.
- Inspectors halted all food preparation at the facility due to a significant cockroach infestation.
- The restaurant is required to address the infestation with professional pest control measures.
Matko
Where: 736 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
When: July 31, 2025 (12:15 PM to 01:45 PM)
The inspectors found live cockroaches inside the electric box of Matko. The electric switch and the floating shelf above the prep sink also revealed live cockroaches. Multiple cockroaches were observed on the glue traps in the facility.
Dead cockroaches were found beneath the rice cooker and on a shelf near the food warmer. The inspectors observed ootheca behind and under the food heater located beside the hand sink.
The restaurant is required to address the infestation using licensed pest control services. All affected areas should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Ongoing maintenance is required to prevent the entry and harborage of pests.
Inspectors directed staff to remove insecticide spray stored beneath the kitchen hand sink.
Only a state-licensed pest control operator should administer pesticides. The use of any unapproved pesticides should be immediately discontinued. These substances should be properly stored and clearly labelled.
The inspectors found that the screen above the kitchen sink had accumulated dust. All non-food contact surfaces should be cleaned and degreased thoroughly, including the shelves above the cooking equipment. The inspection report was posted online for the public.
Follow-Up Inspection
The health department issued a closure notice and temporarily suspended the restaurant’s health permit. The Closure placard should not be removed by anyone except an inspector from the department. The restaurant must submit documentation from a licensed pest control service.
The department has instructed the restaurant to remove all signs of cockroach activity and sanitize all food contact and non-food contact surfaces. After the successful completion of these corrective actions, the facility can contact the department to request a reinspection.
The suspension of the health permit means that the food handling activities at the establishment remain temporarily ceased, pending department approval. The facility will remain closed until all violations are corrected and the health permit is reinstated.
