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Santa Clara County, CA

Chennai Tiffins

2690 El Camino Real

Last inspected Feb 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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

4 inspections

Follow-Up Inspection

Feb 20, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

criticalCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

Major: Water temperature at the three composition sinks measured 90F. Minor: Water temperature at the kitchen hand wash sink measured 90F. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at hand wash sinks. Hand wash sinks shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds. [COS] Operator adjusted water heater. Water temperature remeasured at a maximum of 130F.

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 problems

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Feb 20, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Feb 19, 2026

Closed

The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.

16 recorded violations

criticalCode K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

Food was observed set on a preparation table at ambient temperature measured at 131F, 81F, and 97F. The person in charge stated that the foods were set at ambient temperature approximately 2 hours prior and set aside for personal consumption. [CA] After heating or hot holding, Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool. [SA] The foods were set aside to be consumed within two hours with any remainder being discarded.

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 temperature
minorCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed two dead adult cockroaches in a metal bowl/container in the back storage area. No other evidence of cockroach activity was observed at this time. 2. Observed two dried rodent droppings on top of and on the floor below the one door reach in cooler near the kitchen entrance and two dried rodent droppings on the floor below the storage table adjacent to the walk in cooler. [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 insects
minorCode K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed a heavy accumulation of grease throughout the filters of the ventilation hood. [CA] All hood ventilation filters shall be in place and in good repair. 2. Observed the flat top grill to be installed not fully below the ventilation hood. [CA] There shall be a minimum of 6 inches overhang of ventilation hood over cooking equipment.

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 issues
criticalCode K05Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

Inspector’s notes

Observed a food worker wipe their nose while at the cooks line and subsequently use a spatula in conjunction with their hands to remove dosa off of the flat grill. [CA] Properly wash hands with soap, warm water and dry using single use paper towels as required. Gloves shall be properly used and changed when required. [COS] The violation was corrected by the specialist directing the dosa to be discarded and directing the food worker to successfully wash their hands before resuming food preparation.

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 problems
minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed the waste water pipe below the three compartment sink to be missing the section of piping connecting the sink to the grease interceptor, resulting in waste water being discharged onto the floor. 2. Observed a hosebib located behind the preparation table near the warewashing area to be leaking. [CA] All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with applicable local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair.

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 problems
criticalCode K22Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Sewage and wastewater properly disposed

Inspector’s notes

Observed the warewashing sink to drain directly onto the floor throughout the warewashing area in front of the walk in cooler. The wastewater piping was observed removed at the terminal end. The manager stated that the piping between the grease interceptor and three compartment sink was damaged and then removed. [CA] Food facility shall not operate if there is sewage overflowing or backing up in the food facility. The food facility, or impacted areas, shall remain closed until all plumbing problems have been corrected and all contaminated surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized.

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 problems
criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

1. The only kitchen handwashing sink was observed blocked by a large rolling trash can in front of the station with a wiping cloth bucket stored in the basin of the sink at the start of this inspection. [CA] Maintain the handwashing sink accessible and unobstructed at all times. [COS] The wiping cloth bucket and trash can were relocated at this time. 2. Soap was not available at the kitchen hand washing sink. [CA] Handwashing cleanser shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use sanitary towels. [COS] A pump bottle of soap was placed at the kitchen hand washing sink by the manager.

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 problems
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

1. Potentially hazardous foods stored in the walk in cooler since the previous night measured between 49F - 51F. The walk in cooler was determined to be inoperable at this time. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] All potentially hazardous foods in the walk in cooler were discarded. See attached VC&D form. 2. Multiple containers of cooked vegetables and soups in the steam table measured below 135F at the top portions of the containers (115F-120F), and above 135F at the lower portions of the containers. The person in charge stated that the foods were cooked and placed in the unit approximately 1.5 hours prior. [CA] Maintain PHF above 135F while hot holding. [COS] The foods were returned to the stove to reheat above 165F.

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 temperature
minorCode K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

A probe thermometer was not available at the time of inspection. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each hot and cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods.

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 issues
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

Inspector’s notes

Observed unused equipment throughout the facility including: - throughout the inoperable walk in cooler - non-operational preparation cooler at the kitchen entrance - above the walk in cooler/freezer [CA] Remove unused/excess equipment that may contribute to the harborage of vermin. 2. Observed personal medication stored above spices at the dry storage shelf between the warewashing area and cooks line. [CA] No person shall store clothing or personal effects in any area used for the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces.

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 insects
minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Observed an accumulation of grime on the floors and walls throughout the facility including but not limited to: - The floors below the equipment at the cooks line - The floors below the coolers at the preparation linew - The floors throughout the warewashing - The walls behind the cooks line [CA] Walls and/or floors in food preparation area shall be kept clean.

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 problems
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Remove the accumulation of grease throughout the shelving throughout the facility and the equipment at the cooks line. [CA] Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

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 problems
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

A valid food safety manager certification was not available at this time. The person in charge stated that their certification is expired. [CA] Food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazard foods shall have a valid Food Safety Certificate available for review at all times.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple spice containers stored without lids at the storage shelf between the cooking area and warewashing area. [CA] Store open bulk foods in approved NSF containers with tight fitting lids.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Observed single use yogurt containers being re-used for food storage [CA] All utensils and equipment shall be certified or classified for sanitation by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification program (e.g. NSF, UL EPH, UL Sanitation, CSA Sanitation, or ETL Sanitation).

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 issues
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

Inspector’s notes

1. The walk in cooler was determined to be unable to maintain potentially hazardous foods at or below 41F. The ambient temperature of the unit measured at 50F via IR and thermopen. [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below. 2. Observed a food worker using a measuring device without a handle to dispense batter for cooking. [CA] Utilize a utensil with a dedicated handle to prevent cross contamination. 3. Repair the gasket for the two door upright cooler at the back storage room. [CA] Maintain equipment in good repair. 4. Observed the walk in freezer door to not be fully secured to the hinges. [CA] Maintain equipment in good repair.

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 issues

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Feb 19, 2026 · Original Source

Follow-Up Inspection

Mar 13, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 13, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Mar 11, 2025

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

Inspector’s notes

Personal items observed stored on bags of rice and soda cans in the dry storage room. [Corrective Action] Store personal items in designated areas away from food products.

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 insects
criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

The drain pipe is broken off from the handwash sink making the only handwash sink in the kitchen not accessible. [Corrective Action] The handwash sink shall be properly functioning, be able to drain and accessible at all times. Install the drain pipe at the handwash sink. [Suitable Alternative] Employees are to temporarily wash hands in the right compartment of the 3 compartment prep sink.

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 problems
minorCode K47Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Signs posted; last inspection report available

Inspector’s notes

The health permit observed not posted in public view. [Corrective Action] Post the current valid health permit in public view.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Heavy grime and oil observed on the sides of the deep fryer and the 2 door prep cooler. [Corrective Action] Thoroughly clean and maintain clean.

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 problems
minorCode K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Bulk storage containers of white food substance in the dry storage room are not labeled. [Corrective Action]Label each bulk container with the common name of the food.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

Inspector’s notes

The door for the walk-in freezer is broken. Per employee, the walk-in freezer is only used to stored dry goods. [Corrective Action] Repair the door or remove the door.

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 issues
minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

1. Flooring in the walk-in cooler cooler observed to be exposing the wood portion and covered with carpet. [Corrective Action] Ensure the flooring in the walk-in cooler is smooth, durable and easily cleanable. 2. Portion of the wall at the entry way into the cookline from the prep area observed with paint chipping away from the wall. [Corrective Action] Maintain wall in good condition.

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 problems

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 11, 2025 · Original Source

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