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Santa Clara County, CA

Metro Balderas Taqueria

688 Almaden Av

Last inspected Feb 3, 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

Feb 3, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1) Front door propped during inspection. [CA] Keep door closed at all times to prevent the entrance and harborage of vermin. 2) Employee personal belongings stored next to clean metal containers. [CA] Personal belongings shall be stored in a designated area that will prevent the potential contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

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 K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Food safety manager certificate not available for review. Employee food handler certificates not available for review. [CA] At least one person in the facility shall maintain a food safety manager certificate. Food handlers shall maintain a valid food handler certificate. Ensure food safety manager certificates and food handler certificates are available for review at all times.

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 K43Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

Repeat violation: In the restroom: Toilet paper roll stored on top of dispenser. [CA] Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at all times.

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 K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

In the 2 door upright cooler: Raw chicken stored next to ready to eat food. [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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

Facility is lacking chlorine sanitizer test strips. [CA] Test strips shall be provided to adequately measure the chlorine sanitizer concentration used during manual warewashing.

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

Aluminum foil used to line shelving in kitchen area. [CA] Discontinue use of unapproved materials to line shelves.

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 K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

1) Refrigeration units are lacking hanging thermometers. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods. Place thermometer where it is easily visible while checking refrigerator temperature. 2) Facility is lacking a metal probe thermometer to measure internal food temperatures. [CA] An accurate easily readable metal probe thermometer (accurate to +/- 2°F) that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses shall be provided and readily available to accurately measure the temperatures of 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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Feb 3, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Dec 13, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

minorCode K40Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

Inspector’s notes

The chlorine was tested at 0ppm in the towel bucket. [CA] The concentration must be at 100ppm.

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 K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

The front refrigerator does not have a thermometer. [CA] Each refrigerator must have a thermometer to monitor proper temperature.

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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

There are not any test strips available. [CA] Provide and use test strips for the towel bucket and dish sink.

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 K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

Observed small gnat-like insects in the kitchen and restroom. [CA] Take effective measures to eliminate the insects. Protect food from contamination.

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 K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

No food safety certificate available upon request. One of the employees cooking does not have a food handler or FSC. [CA] At least one employee must have a FSC and all others that prepare any food. must have a food handler card.

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 K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

There is not a hand sink in the kitchen. [CA] If a change of ownership or any remodel is done then a hand sink is needed.

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, Dec 13, 2024 · Original Source

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