Follow-Up Inspection
Jun 11, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jun 11, 2025 · Original Source
Santa Clara County, CA
Mercado California
5302 Monterey Rd
Last inspected Jun 11, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
2 inspectionsRoutine Inspection
Jun 6, 2025
Conditional Pass
5 recorded violations
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Inspector’s notes
Bowls used as scoops in bulk food containers. [CA] Provide scoop with handle and store scoop handle in such a way that the handle does not come in direct contact with food to prevent contamination.
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
Observed broken floor tiles in preparation area. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Observed holes in the ceiling in the back storage area. [CA] Repair holes in structure and maintain in good repair to prevent pest harborage.
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 problemscriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
Cooked jalapenos and onions in hot holding measured 117F to 118F and were cooked one hour prior to temperature measurement. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] Food must be discarded by 1:30pm.
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 temperatureminorCode K44Pests
Official wording
Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Inspector’s notes
Back door to facility was open during inspection. Per PIC, it is left open most of the day for deliveries. [CA] Air curtains shall be in operation over all open exterior doors to prevent flying pests.
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 insectscriticalCode K09Food temperature
Official wording
Proper cooling methods
Inspector’s notes
Menudo in walk in fridge measured 44F to 48F. Per PIC, it was cooked the previous day and had not been removed from the walk in fridge since it was placed the day before. [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] Menudu was VC&D. MINOR: Beans measured at 109F - 125F 2 hours after they were finished cooking. Rice measured 82F 1 hour after they were finished cooking and were cooling on tray on counter. Rice in hot holding unit measured 92F 1.5 hours after cooking. [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.
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, Jun 6, 2025 · Original Source