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Santa Clara County, CA

Rico's Tacos

2523 Winchester Bl A

Last inspected Jan 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

2 inspections

Routine Inspection

Jan 6, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

minorCode K29Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

Inspector’s notes

A can of Raid pest repellent was stored underneath the mop sink. [CA]: Raid pest control is for household use only. Commercial establishments are not approved to use household pest control methods. Discontinue storage/use of unapproved pest repellents.

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 unsafely
minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Within the 2 door reach in, raw shell eggs were stored above ready to eat food. [CA]: Properly store raw shell eggs beneath and separate from ready to eat food.

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

2 door reach in 2 used to store homemade salsa measured at 47F in ambient temperature. [CA]: All cooling units used for storage of Potentially Hazardous Food shall be able to cold hold PHF at 41F or below at all times.

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 K40Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

Inspector’s notes

*REPEAT VIOLATION* Wiping cloth stored on prep table without placing back into a sanitizer bucket in between use. [CA]: Wiping cloths used for sanitizing work surfaces must be stored inside their sanitizer buckets containing at least 100ppm chlorine or 200ppm Quat sanitizer when not actively being used.

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

One dead cockroach observed underneath the mop sink. No other activities found after thorough inspection. No pest control report provided. [CA]: Eliminate evidence of cockroach in a safe, effective and legal manner. Ensure food and food contact surfaces are protected from possible contamination at all times. Follow a licensed pest control company's recommendations and monitor for vermin activity. Seal all cracks, crevices, and gaps under any exterior doors to prevent entry and harborage of vermin.

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, Jan 6, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Jan 3, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

minorCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Hand wash sink at cook line obstructed by stored lid. [CA] Handwashing facility shall be clean, unobstructed, and accessible 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
minorCode K40Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

Inspector’s notes

Wet/soiled wiping cloths stored on preparation table. [CA] Wiping towels shall be stored in sanitizing solution of an approved concentration when not in use (100 ppm - chlorine, 200 ppm - quaternary ammonium).

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

Knives stored wedged between preparation refrigerator and steam table. [CA] All cleaned utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry location where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination, and at least six inches above the floor.

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 K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

Employee observed washing dishes using approved steps in the wrong order.[CA] Manual warewashing shall be accomplished by using a three-compartment sink where the utensils are first precleaned, washed with hot soapy water, rinsed with hot water, sanitized with an approved method, and air dried. Use 1 TBS of bleach (5.25%) per 1 gal. of water for chlorine solution (100 PPM). Use 1 tbs of quaternary ammonium (10%) per 2 gal. of water for quaternary ammonium (200 PPM).

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 K04Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Proper eating, tasting, drinking, tobacco use

Inspector’s notes

Open employee beverage found in service area. [CA] No employee shall eat or drink in the food prep, food contact storage, or food storage areas, use designated area.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 3, 2025 · Original Source

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