Follow-Up Inspection
Aug 12, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Aug 12, 2026 · Original Source
Santa Clara County, CA
Cardenas #203 - Taqueria
235 E Julian St
Last inspected Aug 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
7 inspectionsRoutine Inspection
Aug 11, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
6 recorded violations
minorCode K27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
Inspector’s notes
Self service agua fresca is not protected by covering or sneeze guard. [CA] Food on display shall be protected from cross-contamination, by the use of an approved sneeze guard that intercept a direct line between the consumer's mouth and the food being displayed.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Inspector’s notes
Junction at floor and wall separating.[CA] The juncture of the floor and wall shall be coved with a 3/8-inch minimum radius coving and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemscriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
PHF held at preparation table measured >41F,<135F,>4hrs [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
Ambient temperature of standing refrigerator measured at 49F [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
Mens restroom lacks liquid hand cleanser. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in dispenser at handwash stations at all times.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemscriticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: 5 live cockroaches of different generations found at floor of cookline. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: Samantha Khan. 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Jorge Haro, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Aug 11, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jan 21, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
1 recorded violation
criticalCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Maximum water temperature in facility measured at 65F.[CA] An approved, adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 21, 2026 · Original Source
Follow-Up Inspection
Jan 21, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 21, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jul 9, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Inspector’s notes
Scoops in bulk containers lack handles. [CA] Use scoops with handles and store scoop handle in such a way that the handle does not come in direct contact with food to prevent contamination.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuescriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
Cooked rice and raw eggs held at cook line and preparation table measured >41F,<135, ~ [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.[SA] PIC voluntarily condemned and destroyed PHF.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 9, 2025 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jan 22, 2025
Pass
7 recorded violations
minorCode K40Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping cloths: properly used, stored
Inspector’s notes
Several wet/soiled wiping cloths found on preparation tables. [CA] Wiping towels shall be stored in sanitizing solution of an approved concentration when not in use (100 ppm - chlorine, 200 ppm - quaternary ammonium).
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Water at 3 compartment sink measured a maximum of 109F. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at handwash sinks.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode K36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Inspector’s notes
Scoop used for scooping champurado is located in public area and not protect by a sneeze guard. [CA] All cleaned utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry location where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination, and at least six inches above the floor.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode K38Facility maintenance
Official wording
Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Inspector’s notes
Unshielded lighting found above food preparation area. [CA] Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is unpackaged foods, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single use articles. Ceiling above food service and cook line is yellowing. [CA] Provide approved exhaust hood ventilation over all cooking equipment as required to effectively remove cooking odors, smoke, steam, grease, heat, and vapors.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesminorCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1 live fly found on preparation table.[CA] Maintain facility to prevent entry/harborage of vermin. Dry cockroach found stuck to wall in door way. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
Single use paper towels are not installed in dispenser in preparation area. [CA] Single-use sanitary towels shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use towels.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode K05Handwashing
Official wording
Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly
Inspector’s notes
Observed 2 employees wipe face and continue to work in service area. [CA] Properly wash hands with soap, warm water and dry using single use paper towels as required.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Oct 18, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
minorCode K43Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned
Inspector’s notes
Toilet paper held outside of installed dispenser. [CA] Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at each toilet.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Hot water measured a maximum of 76F at hand wash sink. [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
Raw chicken on rolling rack measured >41F,<125F,<2hrs. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
Several dead cockroaches found on storage shelves in dish station. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 18, 2024 · Original Source