San Francisco Pest Control Compliance Checklist for Food Service

San Francisco IPM Requirements & Local Regulations

The SFDPH requires all food service facilities to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program as part of their food safety plan. IPM focuses on prevention, monitoring, and non-chemical control methods before resorting to pesticides. Your facility must maintain written documentation of pest control activities, including inspection logs, pest sightings, and treatment records. A licensed pest control operator (registered with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation) must perform chemical treatments if needed. All pesticide applications must be documented with product names, application dates, areas treated, and applicator signatures. San Francisco also requires that pest control contracts be maintained on-site and available during inspections.

Critical Inspection Items & Common Violations

SFDPH inspectors check for evidence of rodents (droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials), insects (cockroaches, flies, stored product pests), and conditions that attract pests. Common critical violations include live rodents or insects in food storage, preparation, or service areas; food contact surfaces contaminated by pest droppings; and gaps or cracks that provide pest entry points. Non-critical violations include missing or damaged door sweeps, improperly sealed utility penetrations, clutter in storage areas, and absence of pest control documentation. Pay special attention to areas behind equipment, under sinks, ceiling voids, and around pipes—these are frequent inspection focus points. Facilities without an active pest control service contract or evidence of monitoring may receive violations regardless of current pest activity.

Actionable Compliance Steps & Best Practices

Establish a written IPM plan that designates a pest control coordinator responsible for monitoring and documentation. Conduct weekly walk-throughs to inspect for pest activity, droppings, damaged seals, and conducive conditions; document findings in a log. Install and maintain rodent monitoring stations in all areas of the facility, checked at least weekly. Seal all gaps larger than 1/8 inch around pipes, baseboards, and exterior walls using caulk or steel wool. Remove standing water, repair leaks, and eliminate clutter that provides harborage. Schedule professional pest control inspections monthly (or as required by your service contract) and keep all reports and treatment records accessible. Train staff on pest reporting procedures and ensure immediate communication of any sightings to management.

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