A branch of well-known San Diego pie and ice cream sister concepts Pop Pie Co. & Stella Jean’s Ice Cream was forced temporarily shut down this week after county health inspectors uncovered multiple violations, including a “major” vermin infraction.
Pop Pie Co. & Stella Jean’s Ice Cream at 829 Garnet Avenue was listed as “Ordered Closed” after inspectors documented several issues during a routine visit. The closure order was issued February 25 following a routine inspection, according to San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality records. Among the violations cited were a major vermin violation, minor violations involving food contact surfaces, warewashing facilities maintained out of compliance, and deficiencies related to premises and personal cleaning items, including exclusion measures.
Under county health regulations, a major vermin violation typically requires immediate closure until the issue is corrected and inspectors verify compliance. In this case, according to co-owner Steven Torres, inspectors identified what he described as “a small number of droppings” during the visit, which resulted in the Department determining the situation met its threshold for a vermin “infestation.” Later that same day, a re-inspection was conducted. Records show the follow-up visit resulted in a “Complete” status with “No Violations Found,” likely allowing the business to reopen after corrective actions were taken…