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Santa Clara County, CA

El Pollo Loco #3653

2131 Monterey Rd # 20

Last inspected Jul 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

2 inspections

Routine Inspection

Jul 6, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

minorCode K43Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

In the womens restroom, toilet tissue stored outside of dispenser. [CA] Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at each toilet. Ensure toilet tissue is stored within dispenser at all times to prevent contamination.

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

Multiple expired food handler certificates observed. [CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire.

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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

Water temperature at the janitorial sink measured 110F. [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 problems

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 6, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Jan 10, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

minorCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

PHFs within steam table station #1 were measured between 129-132*F at the time of inspection. Per PIC, they have been having issues with the unit and have already called it into maintenance. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Facility will be using the food for a maximum of 4-hours and then tossing it into the garbage.

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 K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Damaged floor tiles noted around the walk in. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable.

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, Jan 10, 2025 · Original Source

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