Routine Inspection
Sep 22, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Sep 22, 2026 · Original Source
Santa Clara County, CA
Melisa's Catering @ Escuela Popular
149 N White Rd
Last inspected Sep 22, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
8 inspectionsFollow-Up Inspection
Sep 22, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Sep 22, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Sep 3, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
4 recorded violations
minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
Inspector’s notes
Observed drain hose from ice machine extends into the floor sink [CA] Drain lines must be at least 1" above the floor sink or at a height twice the diameter of the drain in order to prevent backflow
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 K29Chemicals
Official wording
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
Inspector’s notes
Chlorine in wiping cloth sanitizer bucket measured over 200ppm. [CA] Maintain chemical concentration of chlorine sanitizer in wiping cloth sanitizer buckets at 100ppm
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelycriticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
Observed vermin: live adult American cockroach moving from floor sink under ice machine to cold prep fridge. 5-10 dead roaches observed underneath and behind standing coolers. [CA] A food facility shall not operate when there is a vermin infestation that has resulted in the contamination of food contact surfaces, food packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food(s). The food facility shall cease operation of the food facility immediately. The food facility shall remain closed until: there is no longer evidence of a vermin infestation; all contaminated surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized; and contributing factors such as cleaning, repairs, and the elimination of harborages have been resolved. The kitchen shall not be used for any food preparation. The school must provide other alternatives sources of food for the students. Contact the district inspector for any follow-up inspection.
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 K01Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Inspector’s notes
One of the employee does not have active food handler cards. [CA] Employee engaged in food preparation, storage, and service and who do not have food safety certificate must take food handler cards within a month of hire. California approved Food Handler Card (FHC) class providers All Directory Listing (ahttps://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/certificate-issuers/AllDirectoryListing?prgID=228,238&statusID=4nsi.org)
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 issuesOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Sep 3, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Mar 12, 2026
Pass
5 recorded violations
minorCode K44Pests
Official wording
Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Inspector’s notes
The large side window of the kitchen was left open. [CA] To prevent insect/rodent infections, keep the back door always closed or install a screen window.
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 K32Food source and labeling
Official wording
Food properly labeled and honestly presented
Inspector’s notes
Some individually packaged desserts and snacks, and others made in the facility but stored on the self-serve area do not have any label. [CA] Food prepackaged in a food facility shall bear a label that complies with the labeling requirements prescribed by the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law, Part 5 and label information shall include: 1. The common name of the food 2. If made from two or more ingredients, a list of ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, including a declaration of artificial color or flavor and chemical preservatives, if contained in the food. 3. An accurate declaration of the quantity of contents. 4. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsminorCode K36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Inspector’s notes
Boxes of tools and utensils were stored on the floor back in the storage area. [CA] For easy floor cleaning and to prevent insect/rodent infestation and hiding, store all utensils/equipment at least six inches off the floor on approved shelf/dunnage rack at all the time.
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 K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
The white open top freezer used back in the storage area is a household standard one. [CA] Equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved, or ETL/UL sanitation listed one.
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 K45Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Inspector’s notes
Spider webs and dirt accumulation was observed on the walls above the storage room. [CA] Conduct thorough regular cleaning on the walls.
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 problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 12, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Oct 17, 2025
Pass
5 recorded violations
minorCode K40Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping cloths: properly used, stored
Inspector’s notes
A couple of wet/soiled wiping cloths were stored on the counters. [CA] Wet/soiled wiping cloths must be stored in a bucket that has standard sanitizer concentration in between use which is 200 ppm quaternary ammonia or 100 ppm chlorine (bleach).
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 K27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
Inspector’s notes
Some food products were stored on the drying counter of the three compartment warewash sink while soiled dishes were being washed with chemicals. [CA] To prevent possible chemical contamination, please do not store any open food products on the three compartment warewash sink while washing dishes.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode K49Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Permits available
Inspector’s notes
48 HOUR NOTICE-- Our records indicate this facility has a delinquent account and is operating without a valid Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health permit|. The facility has an outstanding account balance in the amount of $1,383.75 Payment must be made within 48 hours (2 business days) to the Santa Clara County DEH online at our website which is https://paydirect.link2gov.com/SantaClaraCountyDEH/ItemSearch using an account ID number AR1323388. You may also drop a business check or a crasher's check at our office address written on the top right corner. A re-inspection will not be conducted if your account is paid in full by 10/21/2025. The facility shall remain open, and a new valid permit will be mailed after payment has been received. If your account has not been paid in full by the Comply By date, a re-inspection will be carried out, and the facility owner may be billed at the current hourly rate per County Ordinance Code B11-8. Non-payment of permit fees within 48 hours will result in additional legal actions up to and including facility closure.
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 issuesminorCode K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
The two white open top freezer used back in the storage area are a household standard one. [CA] Equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved, or ETL/UL sanitation listed one.
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 K30Other
Official wording
Food storage: food storage containers identified
Inspector’s notes
Many food products on boxes were stored directly on the floor or on milk crate back in the storage area. [CA] To prevent insect hiding and breading and for easy cleaning of the floor area, please store all food products at least six inches off the floor on an approved shelf or dunnage rack.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 17, 2025 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Feb 10, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
The two white freezer stored back in the storage area are household standard one. [CA] Equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved, or ETL/UL sanitation listed one.
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 K30Other
Official wording
Food storage: food storage containers identified
Inspector’s notes
Many food products on boxes were stored directly on the floor or on milk crate back in the storage area. [CA] To prevent insect hiding and breading and for easy cleaning of the floor area, please store all food products at least six inches off the floor on approved shelf or dunnage rack.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingcriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
Cheese on the preparation table was stored 55 oF . The PIC said the cheese was taken from the fridge half an hour ago. [CA] All potentially hazardous foods like meat, seafood, poultry, dairy products, cooked vegetables, cooked cereals, greens, and diced tomatoes shall always be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. The chef said the cheese was taken half an hour ago from the preparation fridge, and the beef was cooked an hour ago. He is told to either time code the food products to be used within the next 3.0 hours or rapid chill the product. The PIC stored the cheese on an ice bath (SA).
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, Feb 10, 2025 · Original Source
Follow-Up Inspection
Oct 15, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 15, 2024 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Oct 9, 2024
Conditional Pass
3 recorded violations
criticalCode K15Food source and labeling
Official wording
Food obtained from approved source
Inspector’s notes
Observed bags of La Junta Empanada in freezer. Requested to review receipt. PIC provided hand written receipt dated on 10/3/2024. Receipt does not show facility information. Unable to verify food is produced and made from approved facility. Later, PIC showed a receipt of City of San Jose sales permit. Unable to verify if it's from restaurant. Per PIC, the lady provided empanada made the empanada from Redwood City. [CA] Food must be from an approved source or properly documented. [SA] Food is impound at this time until PIC could provide food is made from approved facility. Provide health permit of the food where it's made.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsminorCode K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
Walk-in fridge in kitchen ambient temperature showed 56F. [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below. Dust built up on fan guard for walk-in fridge in kitchen and reach-in fridge at student grab n go. [CA] Clean and maintain fan.
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
PHF measured between 48-55F in walk-in fridge inside kitchen. (see VC&D report) [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] PIC VC&D food.
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, Oct 9, 2024 · Original Source