El Rancho Taqueria

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1) Large gaps observed in wall next to range. 2) Missing outlet cover below 2 composition sink. 3) Gap observed around pipe on wall, next to water heater. [CA] A food facility shall be constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated to prevent the entrance or harborage vermin. Repair gaps and maintain in good condition.

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.

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Heavy accumulation of grease, food debris, and dust observed on kitchen floor, cooking equipment, and shelving. [CA] Thoroughly clean and sanitize all nonfood contact surfaces to prevent buildup.

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.

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed Vermin: -1 live cockroach observed on floor next to steam table. -1 dead cockroach observed on floor next to griddle. 2. Photographs: yes 3. Supervisor Notified: Anjani Sircar 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Michael Garcia, 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.

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

Facility is operating without a valid Health Permit. Permit expired on 3/31/25. 48 hr notice was given on 10/3/25. [CA] Our records indicate this facility is operating without a valid permit and has a delinquent account. Your balance due is $ 1,975.00. Payment must be made immediately to DEH at the address at the top of this report or via our website at www.Ehinfo.org. A facility found to be in continued operation without a permit may incur a penalty of three (3) times the operating permit fee, and fee(s) for re-inspection(s) charged at the current hourly rate approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Penalties and fees incurred due to enforcement activities must be paid in full prior to the issuance of an operating permit. [COS] Food employee tried calling owners to make payment. Food employee paid permit fees during inspection.

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.

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

FOUND RAW MEAT STORED ABOVE COOKED RICE IN THE WALK IN COOLER. [CA] STORE RAW FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN BELOW COOKED OR READY TO EAT FOOD.

In plain English

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

Official wording

Signs posted; last inspection report available

Inspector’s notes

MISSING THE HAND WASH SIGN AT THE HAND WASH SINKS. [CA] PROVIDE SIGNS.

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.

Official wording

Communicable disease; reporting/restriction/exclusion

In plain English

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

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

THE FACILITY IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CURRENT PERMIT. [CA] PROVIDE PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HRS. 48 HRS NOTICE HAS BEEN PROVIDED DUE TO NON PAYMENT.

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.

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A SMALL PLASTIC CUP BEING USED TO SCOOP THE SALT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE SCOOPS WITH A HANDLE AND KEEP THE HANDLE OUTSIDE THE FOOD.

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.

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

THE RESTROOM DOOR DOES NOT SELF CLOSE. [CA] PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DOOR.

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.

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

MISSING THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGERS AND THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. [CA] PROVIDE THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE AND THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS.

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.

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A GROCERY PLASTIC BAG BEING USED TO STORE THE RICE IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE BAGS APPROVED FOR FOOD STORAGE.

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.

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE HOT WATER AT 114F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. [CA] PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 120F.

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.

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

FSC is not available for review at time of inspection. [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. Food handler cards are not available for review at time of inspection. [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.

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

Water measured a maximum of 78F at hand wash sink in restroom.[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.

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Lack of liquid hand cleanser at the only hand wash sink in food preparation area. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in dispenser at handwash stations at all times. Replace wall mounted 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.

Official wording

Signs posted; last inspection report available

Inspector’s notes

Current Environmental Health permit is not posted. [CA] The health permit issued by this department shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the food facility.

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.

Official wording

Proper reheating procedures for hot holding

Inspector’s notes

PHF found re-heating in steam table. [CA] Reheating for hot holding shall be done rapidly, and the time the food is between 41°F and 165°F shall not exceed two hours.

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.

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

1 live cockroach found on the floor between preparation refrigerator and steam table. 1 dead cockroach found in the corner of steam table and preparation table. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings. Maintain facility to prevent entry/harborage of vermin.

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.

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Buildup found on floor under cooking equipment. [CA] Regularly clean under cooking equipment to prevent accumulation of 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.

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Sink basin at hand wash sink outside of restroom is in disrepair. [CA] Repair plumbing fixture and maintain in clean and 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.

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

Restroom door is not self closing and propped open at time of inspection. [CA] Toilet rooms shall be separated by well-fitted, self-closing doors that prevent the passage of flies, dust, or odors.

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.