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Santa Clara County, CA

Pupuseria La Chalateca

4161 Hamilton Av

Last inspected Aug 14, 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

4 inspections

Routine Inspection

Aug 14, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K08Other

Official wording

Time as a public health control; procedures & records

Inspector’s notes

Masa, bean paste, and pork paste was measured 65F. It was all prepared around 30 minutes ago. [CA] Provide written procedures and time marking for PHFs utilizing time as a public health control (TPHC). [SA] Always time mark dough and fillings.

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

Facility line cardboard under the mat for the food prep table. [CA] Discontinue the use of cardboard boxes to line shelves/flooring, use approved equipment made of materials that is easily cleanable, durable, smooth, and nonabsorbent.

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 K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Only tomatoes inside the food prep table were measured 55F. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Rapid chill freshly prepared food to 41F before placing in inside the food prep table.

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 K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Expired food handlers cards. [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.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode K40Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths are in use to line food items. [CA] Wiping cloths that are in use for cleaning food spills shall not be used for any other purpose. [SA] Only use nonabsorbent mat to line tables.

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 K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Back door has a gap under the door. There was also a cracked screen in the door. [CA] Eliminate gap greater than 1/4" to prevent the entrance and harborage of vermin. Eliminate a crack screen to prevent vermin entry.

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 K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Carton of cabbages were on floor. [CA] Food shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent contamination.

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, Aug 14, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Nov 26, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Back screen door has gap at the bottom and side. [CA] Eliminate gap greater than 1/4" to prevent the entrance and harborage of vermin. [SA] Add weather striping to eliminate gap.

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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Papusa stuffing (potatoes, cheese, beans) were measured 80F with little ice on the side of containers. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] Ice was added up to the containers with little water in it.

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 K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

Fruit flies was observed in the dry storage room. [CA] Food facility shall be kept free of non-disease carrying insects, weevils, ants, gnats, and fruit flies.

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 K32Food source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled and honestly presented

Inspector’s notes

Facility selling Salvadorena bread with out label. [CA] Food prepackaged in a food facility shall bear a label with the following: 1) common name of the food, 2) list of ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, 3) quantity of contents, 4) 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 problems
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Cutting boards at the food prep cooler were discolored and scratched. [CA] Surfaces of equipment such as cutting blocks and boards that are scratched and scored so that they can no longer be effectively be cleaned and sanitized shall be resurfaced or replaced. Cardboard in use to line shelving and floor. [CA] Discontinue the use of cardboard boxes to line shelves/flooring, use approved equipment made of materials that is easily cleanable, durable, smooth, and nonabsorbent. Scoop handle was touching the flour. [CA] 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 issues
minorCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Lack soap dispenser and pump soap in use at the hand washing sink in the kitchen area. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in dispenser at handwash stations at all times.

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, Nov 26, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Jun 3, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

1. Lemon squeezer, knives, and spatula observed stored under the paper towel dispenser. [Corrective Action] Re-located these items to prevent possible contamination from water dripping from hands. 2. Handle of the ice scoop observed in direct contact with the ice in the ice machine. [Corrective Action] Store the ice scoop so that the handle is not in contact with the ice.

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 K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Observed paint peeling and cracks in walls and ceiling in the dry storage room. [Corrective Action] Maintain wall and ceiling in good condition.

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 K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

1. Back screen door was observed left wide open. [Corrective Action] Ensure screen door is closed when back door is left open. 2. Observed a 3 inch gap above the back screen door. [Corrective Action] Reduce gap to 1/4 inch.

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, Jun 3, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Oct 15, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

minorCode K13Contamination

Official wording

Food in good condition, safe, unadulterated

Inspector’s notes

Beer bottles inside the consumable ice machine. [CA] Employee shall not store beverage in consumable ice to chill.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

A container of chicken and beef at 70F on prep table. Per PIC it has been out for an hour and they will heat it up. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. Heat it up to 165F for 15 sec.

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 K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Cardboard box and wood panel in use to line shelve. [CA] Discontinue the use of cardboard boxes & wood panels to line shelves/flooring, use approved equipment made of materials that is easily cleanable, durable, smooth, and nonabsorbent. Bucket of red sauce with half open lid with container inside without handle. [CA] Keep lid close for food buckets use scoop with handle to take out sauce.

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 K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Only handwashing sink has a mug, wiping cloth, and tong inside it. [CA] Handwashing facility shall be clean, unobstructed, and accessible at all times. [COS] PIC took out everything from the handwashing sink.

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, Oct 15, 2024 · Original Source

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