Follow-Up Inspection
Dec 4, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 4, 2025 · Original Source
Santa Clara County, CA
Sweet Pea's Cafe
453 N Santa Cruz Av
Last inspected Dec 4, 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
4 inspectionsRoutine Inspection
Dec 2, 2025
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
9 recorded violations
minorCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
Front hand sink did not have single use towels within the dispenser. [CA]: All hand sink stations shall be equipped with single use towels within the dispenser at all times. [COS]: Employee provided single use towels within the dispenser.
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 problemscriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
In the warmer, rice and chicken soup measured between 86F - 119F. Cook stated soup was placed into the warmer approximately 20 minutes prior to measurement. [CA]: Potentially Hazardous Food shall be hot held at 135F or above at all times. [COS]: Soup was reheated to 167F.
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 K27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
Inspector’s notes
In the back prep line unit, raw shell eggs stored on shelving 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 findingminorCode K44Pests
Official wording
Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Inspector’s notes
1. Both front and rear doors propped open throughout inspection. [CA]: Facility shall be fully enclosed at all times to prevent vermin entrance and harborage. 2. Unsecured beverage cup stored on shelf at cook line. [CA]: No person shall store clothing or personal effects in any area used for the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces. Employees shall not eat in food preparation 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 insectsminorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Inspector’s notes
Large holes and gaps observed on walls and ceilings at ware-washing area. [CA]: Seal all cracks, crevices, door, windows and any opening approximately 1/4 of an inch in diameter. Maintain walls, ceilings, and floors 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 problemsminorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
No hot water provided at prep sink. Owner stated leak issue. [CA]: Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at handwash sinks. Repair prep sink.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemscriticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: -fresh and old rodent droppings in dry storage room on top of flour container -fresh and old rodent droppings in dry storage room in box of pre-packaged rice grains 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: Monica H. 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Michael McBride, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. Pest control report from Crane Pest Control dated 11/02/2025 observed. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
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 insectsminorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Inspector’s notes
Accumulation of dust on the baffle filters of hood. [CA]: Remove dust and routinely clean baffle filters.
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 K13Contamination
Official wording
Food in good condition, safe, unadulterated
Inspector’s notes
In the dry storage room, pre-packaged rice grains observed gnawed. [CA]: Food is adulterated if it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it impure or injurious to health and shall be discarded immediately. [COS]: Pre-packaged rice voluntarily discarded.
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 contaminationOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Dec 2, 2025 · Original Source
Follow-Up Inspection
Nov 12, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Nov 12, 2024 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Oct 31, 2024
Pass
11 recorded violations
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Inspector’s notes
Heavy accumulation of food debris observed on kitchen floors, under food equipment, and shelving. [CA] Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Routinely deep clean floors and shelving 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 problemsminorCode K44Pests
Official wording
Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Inspector’s notes
Back metal screen door is severely damaged. Large holes measuring more than 4 inches observed. Door is also missing a handle and does not close properly. [CA] Repair or replace back door. Eliminate gaps greater than 1/4" to prevent the entrance and harborage of vermin. Ensure door is kept closed at all times.
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 insectsminorCode K34Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
Inspector’s notes
Facility is lacking quaternary ammonium sanitizer test strips. [CA] Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to adequately measure the applicable sanitization methods 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 problemsminorCode K19Food temperature
Official wording
Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods
Inspector’s notes
Menu is lacking a consumer advisory. Observed customer order a burger and asked how they would like the beef cooked. [CA] Provide consumer warning for the sale of raw or undercooked animal-derived foods.
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 K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
On cook line, two door under counter refrigeration unit was observed inoperable. Unit is being used as storage. [CA] Repair or remove unit from facility to prevent pest harborage.
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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Lack of warm water at service line handwash sink. Hot water faucet handle on handwash sink is inoperable (stuck). Per food employees, sink has not been used in over a year due to disrepair. [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds. Note: Owner was able to open stuck faucet handle. Hot water measured at 102F. Leak was observed coming from handle. Owner stated that sink will be repaired.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemscriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
In the food warmer, split pea soup measured at 96F. Per food employee, soup was placed in warmer at 9am. [CA] PHFs shall be held hot 135°F or above. [COS] Soup was reheated to 187F.
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 K01Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Inspector’s notes
Food safety manager certificate expired (10/02/22). Multiple expired employee food handler certificates observed. [CA] At least one person in the facility shall maintain a current food safety manager certificate. Food handlers shall maintain a valid food handler certificate. Ensure food safety certificates and food handler certificates are readily 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 issuesminorCode K39Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Thermometers provided, accurate
Inspector’s notes
Thermometer in refrigerator display case is inoperable. [CA] Replace thermometer and maintain in good repair.
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 K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
Multiple drain flies observed throughout facility. [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 insectsminorCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
Next to crepe station, handwash sink is lacking paper towels and hand soap. No paper towel dispenser observed. [CA] Ensure hand soap and paper towels are provided at all times. Provide a paper towel dispenser. [SA] Food employees will use handwash sink at cook line while sink is repaired and paper towel dispenser is installed.
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 problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source