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Santa Clara County, CA

Pho Dao

1631 N Capitol Av

Last inspected Apr 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Routine Inspection

Apr 16, 2026

Pass

9 recorded violations

minorCode K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

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
criticalCode K05Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

Inspector’s notes

Employee working in the front service counter was observed touching unclean surface and and head to serve open food to a customer without washing hand. [CA] Employee must be trained to wash hand in between touching unclean surface and ready to eat food products, after cleaning or handling chemicals, after picking up something off of the floor, after handling the register/money, after handling garbage, after touching face, hair or body, after eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue. The employee was told to wash his hands and change his gloves (COS).

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
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Re-used cardboard (from shipping boxes) used to line shelves and the floor of the cookline. [CA] Do not use cardboard to line shelves or cover the floor area. There is an abundant dust accumulation on the restroom’s exhaust vent. [CA] Conduct a regular cleaning of the exhaust vent.

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 K08Other

Official wording

Time as a public health control; procedures & records

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The large white chest freezer stored back in the kitchen and the upright single door fridge used to store the fresh noodle are not NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. Gaskets of the upright double door fridge and the household fridge are falling off. [CA] Replace the damaged gaskets immediately.

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 K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

The ice scoop for the ice machine was stored on an unclean surface. [CA] All reusable utensils including the ice scoop must be stored on clean surface/container in between use.

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 K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

There is not a food safety manager certified person in the facility. [CA] Someone from the facility must take a food safety certificate class within two months and keep a copy of the certificate on file. Food Safety Manager certificate class may be taken on the following websites: 1. Premier Food Safety: https://www.premierfoodsafety.com/food-manager-certification/california\ 2. Learn 2 Serve: https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/food-safety-manager/California 3. Serve Safe Manager: https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager

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 K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

Cooling of freshly cooked pork was being conducted at room in a big container at room temperature over the preparation table. [CA] All hot-held food products must be cooled from 135 OF to 70 OF within the first two hours and from 70 OF to 41 OF with another four hours by: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans. (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions. (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT. (4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer. (5) Adding ice as an ingredient. (6) Using ice paddles. (7) Inserting appropriately designed containers in an ice bath and stirring frequently. The manager demonstrated the proper cooling procedure using an ice bath and smaller portions.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Apr 16, 2026 · Original Source

Follow-Up Inspection

Dec 12, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

minorCode 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 finding
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

A couple of open cup employee drinks were stored on the preparation tables. [CA] To prevent possible contamination, employees may only drink with covered cup containers and store their drink in designated areas.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 12, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Dec 11, 2025

Conditional Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Re-used cardboard (from shipping boxes) used to line shelves and the floor of the cookline. [CA] Do not use cardboard to line shelves or cover the floor area.

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 K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

The ice scoop for the ice machine was stored on an unclean surface. [CA] All reusable utensils including the ice scoop must be stored on clean surface/container in between use.

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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Meatballs stored near the preparation table back in the kitchen were measured at 55 oF. The manager said the sliced avocados were taken from the fridge an hour ago. [CA] All potentially hazardous foods like meat, seafood, poultry, dairy products, cooked vegetables, cooked cereals, greens, and diced avocados shall always be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above unless the food products are stored outside this temperature with time as a public health control method. The manager is told to either code the food products to be used within the next three hours or rapid chill the product inside the walk-in freezer. He stored the meatballs inside the fridge (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 temperature
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The large white freezer stored back in the kitchen and the upright single door fridge used to store the fresh noodle are not NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. Gaskets of the upright double door fridge and the household fridge are falling off. [CA] Replace the damaged gaskets immediately.

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
criticalCode K05Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

Inspector’s notes

Servers working in the front area were observed collecting soiled dishes and cleaning tables and serving open food for customers without washing hands. [CA] Employee must be trained to wash hand in between touching unclean surface and ready to eat food products, after cleaning or handling chemicals, after picking up something off of the floor, after handling the register/money, after handling garbage, after touching face, hair or body, after eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue. The employee was told to wash his hands and change his gloves (COS).

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
minorCode K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

There was not a functional prob thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the cold and hot food products. [CA] Provide an approved prob type thermometer and use it with regular calibration and sanitization.

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 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 inside the walk-in freezer and 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 finding

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 11, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Jul 17, 2025

Pass

10 recorded violations

minorCode K47Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Signs posted; last inspection report available

Inspector’s notes

The current Environmental Health permit was not posted on public view. [CA] The most current Environmental Health permit must be posted on public view at all the time.

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 K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Couple of open cup employee drinks were store on the counters of the food preparation area.

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 K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Beef in a large container was being marinated on the back shelf. [CA]Marination may only be conducted within two hours or the food must be kept inside a refrigeration unit.

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 K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The large white freezer stored back in the kitchen and the upright single door fridge used to store the fresh noodle are not NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. Gaskets of the upright double door fridge and the household fridge are falling off. [CA] Replace the damaged gaskets immediately.

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 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 in the kitchen and back in the storage areas. [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 finding
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 problems
minorCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

There was no soap supply on one of the kitchen’s handwash sinks. [CA] Refill the wall-mounted soap dispenser immediately. Until the wall-mounted soap dispenser is refilled, you use a pump-type soap supply.

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
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

The screen covers of the make-up air vents back in the preparation area and the restroom’s exhaust fan have heavy dust accumulation. [CA] Clean the screen covers of the makeup air and the exhaust fan regularly.

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 K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

The ice scoop for the ice machine was stored on an unclean surface. [CA] All reusable utensils including the ice scoop must be stored on clean surface/container in between use.

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

There were no functional thermometers inside of two preparation fridges. [CA] To monitor the ambient air temperature of the units, please install a functional thermometer on all refrigeration units.

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, Jul 17, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up Inspection

Dec 18, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: There is not a food safety manager certified person in the facility. [CA] Someone from the facility must take a food safety certificate class within two months and keep copy of the certificate on file. Food Safety Manager certificate class may be taken on the following websites: 1. Premier Food Safety: https://www.premierfoodsafety.com/food-manager-certification/california\ 2. Learn 2 Serve: https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/food-safety-manager/California 3. Serve Safe Manager: https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager Couple of the employees do not have 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 issues
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: The large white freezer stored back in the kitchen and the upright single door fridge used to store the fresh noodle are not NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All 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 issues
minorCode K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: Many food products on boxes were stored directly on the floor or on milk crate in the kitchen and back in the storage areas. [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 finding

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 18, 2024 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Dec 13, 2024

Conditional Pass

8 recorded violations

criticalCode K05Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

Inspector’s notes

Servers working in the front area were observed collecting soiled dishes and cleaning tables and serve open food for customers without washing hands. [CA] Employee must be trained to wash hand in between touching unclean surface and ready to eat food products, after cleaning or handling chemicals, after picking up something off of the floor, after handling the register/money, after handling garbage, after touching face, hair or body, after eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue. Employee was told to wash his hand and change his gloves (COS).

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
minorCode K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

There was not a functional prob thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the cold and hot food products. [CA] Provide an approved prob type thermometer and use it with a regular calibration and sanitization.

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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Container full of fresh rice noodles placed on the preparation table in the kitchen was measured at 64 oF. Per chef, bags were removed from cooler 1 hour ago. [Corrective Action] Keep noodles cold at 41F or below. [corrective action] Bags were returned to the reach-in cooler. Small amount was left in kitchen for use during service.

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 K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Raw food products like shell eggs were stored above ready to eat food products inside the upright fridge.. [CA] To prevent possible contamination, ready to eat food products and produce must be stored above or by the said of raw food products.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The large white freezer stored back in the kitchen and the upright single door fridge used to store the fresh noodle are not NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All 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 issues
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

There is not a food safety manager certified person in the facility. [CA] Someone from the facility must take a food safety certificate class within two months and keep copy of the certificate on file. Food Safety Manager certificate class may be taken on the following websites: 1. Premier Food Safety: https://www.premierfoodsafety.com/food-manager-certification/california\ 2. Learn 2 Serve: https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/food-safety-manager/California 3. Serve Safe Manager: https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager Couple of the employees do not have 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 issues
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

There is an abundant dust accumulation on the restroom’s exhaust vent screen. [CA] Conduct a regular cleaning on the screens. Re-used cardboard (from shipping boxes) used to line shelves and the floor of the cookline. [CA] Do not use cardboards to line shelves or cover the floor area.

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 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 in the kitchen and back in the storage areas. [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 finding

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 13, 2024 · Original Source

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