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Santa Clara County, CA

Chungdam Restaurant

3180 El Camino Real

Last inspected Apr 2, 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

3 inspections

Follow-Up Inspection

Apr 2, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

1) Observed working utensils and rice paddles stored in standing water. [CA] Utensils shall be stored in the following manner: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in running water, 3) in a container of water at 135°F or above, 4) at room temperature if washed within 4 hours of initial use. 2) Observed knives stored in the crevice between preparation table and preparation unit. [CA] Equipment and utensils shall be stored in a safe and sanitary condition.

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
criticalCode K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

In the walk-in cooler, measured beef bone stored in a large, deep, fully covered container from 46-51F. Per employee, beef bone was cooked over night. [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. [COS] Improperly cooled foods were voluntarily condemned and discarded during inspection.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Apr 2, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Apr 1, 2026

Conditional Pass

12 recorded violations

criticalCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

In the dry storage room, observed one live cockroach and one dead cockroach on the wall. No active contamination of food or other live activity observed during inspection. [CA] The premises of a food facility shall be maintained free of vermin. [COS] Live cockroach was abated during inspection. NOTE: Facility receives biweekly pest control services. Reviewed latest pest control report from 3/4/2026.

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 K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

In the walk-in cooler, observed raw meat is stored above ready-to-eat produce. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

1. Facility lacks active Food Safety Manager Certification. [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. 2. Actively working employees lack food handler certification. [CA] Food handlers shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of their employment. Food handler cards shall be available for review.

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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

1) In the walk-in cooler, measured multiple Potentially Hazardous Foods (macaroni salad, cooked spicy stir fry, raw meat, etc.) from 48-56F. Per employees, foods were stored in the walk-in cooler overnight. [CA] Potentially Hazardous Foods shall be kept at 41F or below or 135F or above. [SA] All Potentially Hazardous Foods were voluntarily condemned and discarded. See VC&D form. 2) At the cook line, measured pooled eggs and shelled eggs at 62F. Per employees, eggs were removed from refrigeration less than 1 hour prior to temperature measurement. [CA] Potentially Hazardous Foods shall be kept at 41F or below or 135F or above. [SA] Specialist directed employees to relocate eggs into the under counter refrigeration. Foods shall be kept in refrigeration unless under diligent prep.

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

Observed display thermometer outside of the walk-in cooler is not operable. Observed refrigeration units are missing internal thermometers. [CA] A thermometer (accurate to +/- 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 K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1) Measured the ambient temperature of the walk-in cooler at 49F. [CA] Refrigeration units shall maintain foods at 41F or below. Discontinue storage of Potentially Hazardous Foods until unit is repaired. [COS] PIC adjusted the temperature of the walk-in cooler during inspection. Remeasured ambient temperature at 41F. 2) Observed the use of domestic rice cookers and unapproved, foreign chiller used for holding soups. [CA] Discontinue the use of unapproved equipment. 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 K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

Observed gaps in the ventilation hood above the cook line. [CA] All hood ventilation filters shall be maintained in place and in good repair.

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
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1) Observed storage of unused, foreign equipment in the kitchen area. [CA] The premises of a food facility shall be free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the facility, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used. 2) Observed employee cell phone and charger stored directly on cutting board at the food preparation counter. [CA] Employee's personal effects (cell phone, car keys, and jackets) shall be stored in employee lockers or other designated areas for employee storage.

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 K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed a makeshift storage area with food storage shelves directly outside of the facility. Observed storage of prepackaged foods and beverages. [CA] Discontinue storage of food outside. All food shall be stored within the approved and fully enclosed food facility. 2. Throughout the kitchen area, observed working foods stored directly on the floor. In the walk-in cooler and freezer, observed multiple foods stored on the floor. [CA] Food shall be stored six inches above the floor to prevent contamination and facilitate ease of cleaning.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K05Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

Inspector’s notes

Observed employees washing hands while wearing soiled gloves, then continuing on with food preparation. (No active contamination of food observed). Observed employees donning gloves without an intermediate handwashing step. [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.

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 K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

** MAJOR ** At the cook line, observed employees washing pans and utensils in the preparation sink without a sanitization step. [CA] Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by contacting a chlorine solution of 100 PPM concentration for at least 30 seconds or by contacting a quaternary ammonium solution of 200 PPM concentration for at least 60 seconds. [COS] Specialist directed employees to properly wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes at the warewashing area. ** MINOR ** Measured the chlorine concentration at the mechanical dishwasher at 0 ppm. No active warewashing during inspection. [CA] Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by contacting a chlorine solution of 50 ppm, or as per manufacturer's specifications. [COS] PIC primed the dishwasher during inspection. Remeasured chlorine concentration at 50 ppm.

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 K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

1) At the front service line, observed the handwash station is partially blocked by moving cart and cups. [CA] Handwash stations shall be fully stocked and accessible at all times. 2) In the center cook line, observed automatic handwash dispenser is in disrepair. Soap is still available in the dispenser. At the warewashing station, observed paper towel roll is stored outside of the dispenser. [CA] Soap and paper towels shall be stored in an approved and sanitary dispenser.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Apr 1, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

May 13, 2025

Pass

9 recorded violations

minorCode K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

Measured the sanitizer concentration in the mechanical dishwasher at 0 ppm chlorine. No active warewashing during inspection. [CA] Chlorine in the mechanical warewash machine shall be maintained at 50 ppm, or as per manufacturer's specifications. [COS] PIC fixed the mechanical dishwasher during inspection. The chlorine sanitizer measured at 50 ppm.

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 K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1. Measured the ambient temperature of the front preparation unit at 60F. [CA] Refrigeration units shall maintain foods at 41F or below. Discontinue the storage of Potentially Hazardous Foods until the unit is repaired. 2. Observed the active use of domestic rice cooker for holding rice. [CA] Discontinue the use of domestic equipment. 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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

1. In the front preparation unit, measured Potentially Hazardous Foods including cooked vegetables and beansprouts from 50-52F. See measured observations. Per employee, foods were moved to the preparation unit about 1 hour prior to temperature measurement. The ambient temperature of the unit measured at 60F. 2. In the preparation unit by the cook line, measured shelled eggs and cooked mixed seafood at 59F and 62F. The shelled eggs and mixed seafood were stored in insert containers placed above the cooling unit. See measured observations. Per employee, foods were moved to the preparation unit about 1 hour prior to temperature measurement. [CA] Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be kept at 41F or below or 135F or above. [SA] 1. All of the PHFs in the unit were fully submerged into an ice bath. PIC to store PHFs in ice bath until the refrigeration unit is repaired. 2. Shelled eggs and mixed seafood were moved into the preparation reach-in. PIC to rearrange the preparation insert coolers to ensure that containers are fully submerged in the unit.

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 K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed the faucet at the front handwash sink is leaking. [CA] Repair plumbing fixture and maintain 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
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

1. Facility lacks active food safety manager certification. [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. 2. Facility lacks active food handler cards for employees. [CA] All food handlers shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of their employment.

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 K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed a makeshift storage area with food storage shelves directly outside of the facility. [CA] Discontinue storage of food outside. All food shall be stored within the approved and fully enclosed food facility. 2. In the outdoor storage area, observed bag of onions stored on the floor. In the walk-in freezer, observed raw meat containers stored on the floor. [CA] Food shall be stored six inches off the floor to prevent contamination and facilitate ease of cleaning.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

Observed all ventilation hood filters on the fume hood were missing during active cooking. Per employee, filters are currently being cleaned. [CA] All hood ventilation filters shall be in place and maintained clean and in good repair. 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 issues
minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

In the walk-in cooler, observed raw meat is stored above ready-to-eat produce. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Observed build-up of black and brown mold-like substance in the interior panel of the ice machine. [CA] Routinely clean and sanitize the ice machine. 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

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

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