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Santa Clara County, CA

Tacos El Guero

40 Hornlein Ct #1

Last inspected Sep 29, 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

7 inspections

Routine Inspection

Sep 29, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Damaged floor tile noted by the reach ins. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable.

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 K49Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

--48 HOUR NOTICE— Our records indicate this facility is operating without a valid permit and has a delinquent account. Your balance due is $2,851.25. Payment must be made immediately to DEH at the address at the top of this report or via our website at www.Ehinfo.org. A facility that submits payment of the outstanding balance within 48 hours (2 business days) of this notice will be issued and mailed an operating permit by this department. Failure to comply within 48 hours will result in facility closure and additional enforcement, including but not limited to reinspection(s) and additional cost recovery fees. A facility found to be in continued operation without a permit may incur a penalty of three (3) times the operating permit fee, and fee(s) for re-inspection(s) charged at the current hourly rate approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Penalties and fees incurred due to enforcement activities must be paid in full prior to the issuance of an operating permit.

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 K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

Cooking equipment in the back is outside of the hood system at the time of inspection. [CA] There shall be a minimum of 6 inches overhang of ventilation hood over cooking equipment. Place equipment under hood system.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Only hand wash station was missing paper towels and soap at the time of inspection. [CA] Hand wash stations must be fully stocked at all times. [COS] PIC added paper towels to dispenser and changed soap 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 problems

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Sep 29, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Mar 30, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Handle to reach in is damaged at the time of inspection. [CA] Equipment and utensils shall be designed and constructed to be durable and retain characteristic qualities under normal use conditions. Replace handle.

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 K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

Light within the hood system is out at the time of inspection. [CA] Replace light bulbs within the hood system.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 30, 2026 · Original Source

Follow-Up Inspection

Sep 8, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Sep 8, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Sep 3, 2025

Conditional Pass

8 recorded violations

minorCode K49Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

--48 HOUR NOTICE— Our records indicate this facility is operating without a valid permit and has a delinquent account. Your balance due is $1,975.00. Payment must be made immediately to DEH at the address at the top of this report or via our website at www.Ehinfo.org. A facility that submits payment of the outstanding balance within 48 hours (2 business days) of this notice will be issued and mailed an operating permit by this department. Failure to comply within 48 hours will result in facility closure and additional enforcement, including but not limited to reinspection(s) and additional cost recovery fees. A facility found to be in continued operation without a permit may incur a penalty of three (3) times the operating permit fee, and fee(s) for re-inspection(s) charged at the current hourly rate approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Penalties and fees incurred due to enforcement activities must be paid in full prior to the issuance of an operating permit.

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 K22Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Sewage and wastewater properly disposed

Inspector’s notes

Floor sink under the prep sink is clogged at the time of inspection. [CA] Have the sink unclogged by a contractor. [SA] Sink cannot be used until it is repaired by contractor. All other sinks within the facility are draining properly. REPEAT VIOLATION. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

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 problems
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Front/back doors of the facility are open at the time of inspection. Air curtains in the front and back are not on at the time of inspection. [CA] Keep back door closed at all times to prevent the entrance and harborage of vermin. Turn on air curtains and keep them on; make repairs to them if needed.

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

Unable to provide a food manger certification at the time of inspection. Per PIC, cannot find right now but has it. [CA] Submit during follow up inspection. REPEAT VIOLATION. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

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
criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Only hand wash station within the facility was not operational at the time of inspection. Drain pipes not connected. [CA] All food facilities shall provide an operable hand washing station at all times. [COS] Per PIC, they were using the 3-compartment sink to wash hands until piping gets repaired properly.

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
criticalCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

Multiple flies within the food facility. [CA] Food facility shall be kept free of non-disease carrying insects, weevils, ants, gnats, and fruit flies. Recommend obtaining approved fly traps and contact pest control. REPEAT VIOLATION. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action. Office hearing maybe forth coming.

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

PHFs within metal trays next to the cook line were measured between 94-98*F at the time of inspection. Per PIC, the items were cooked about 4-hours ago. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] All PHFs next to the cook line were VCD by PIC. Form was provided.

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 K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Multiple ceiling panels on top of the prep area have holes and are not the correct panels. [CA] Ceilings of all rooms where food is handled shall be smooth, of durable construction, and of nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Replace damaged ceiling panels and replace panels above the prep 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

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

Follow-Up Inspection

Apr 15, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Apr 15, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up Inspection

Apr 10, 2025

Conditional Pass

5 recorded violations

minorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

Hot water at the three-compartment sink and food preparation sink measured at 117F. [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.

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 problems
minorCode K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

Observed large metal container of carne asada below the cook line at the kitchen, placed on top of another container of cooked beef kept cover. Owner stated that the carne asada was cooked approximately 20 minutes prior. Item measured at 136F. Smaller container of cooked beef maintained below measured at 100F. Owner stated that the beef was cooked approximately 40 minutes prior. Numerous containers of various proteins and rice actively cooling in inadequate ice baths with ice only touching the bottom of the container. [CA] Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F or below within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F or below within an additional 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool. [COS] Large container of carne asada was separated into smaller portions and placed on large ice bath. Small containers were placed in larger ice baths.

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
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Metal container of cooked beef maintained below the cook line in the right kitchen measured between 65F to 70F. Employee stated that the cook took the container out to prepare orders and was supposed to return the container to the refrigerator, but did not. Owner stated that the container has been out in ambient temperature for approximately 4 hours. Container of watermelon juice maintained at the front service area measured at 49F. Employee stated that the juice was prepared in the morning and that all ice had melted. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] Container of cooked beef was VC&D due to temperature abuse. Ice was added to the container of watermelon juice.

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

Observed walk-in refrigerator door unable to fully close. [CA] Investigate cause and repair in an approved manner.

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

The only hand wash station in the kitchen lacked hand soap. Owner stated that hand soap is readily available inside the restroom. [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped with handwashing cleanser and single-use sanitary towels in dispensers. Paper towels and hand soap shall be readily available and easily accessible at all times. [COS] Employee provided manual pump bottle of hand soap. ** Note: employees are to wash hands immediately after using the restroom, and then again when returning into the kitchen.

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, Apr 10, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Apr 7, 2025

Conditional Pass

6 recorded violations

minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Door handle for reach in is damaged at the time of inspection. [CA] Equipment and utensils shall be designed and constructed to be durable and retain characteristic qualities under normal use conditions.

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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

Hot water within the 3-compartment sink was measured at 115*F at the time of inspection. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at hand wash sinks (100*F).

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 problems
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Unable to provide a food manger certification at the time of inspection. Per PIC, cannot find right now but has it. [CA] Submit during follow up inspection. REPEAT VIOLATION. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

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 K22Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Sewage and wastewater properly disposed

Inspector’s notes

Floor sink under the prep sink is clogged at the time of inspection. [CA] Have the sink unclogged by a contractor. [SA] Sink cannot be used until it is repaired by contractor. All other sinks within the facility are draining properly.

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 problems
criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

Only hand wash station within prep area is missing a soap dispenser and paper towel dispenser is not working properly. [CA] Hand wash station must be fully stocked at all times. [COS] Roll of paper towels was placed next to hand wash station and pump soap was placed next to hand wash station.

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
criticalCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

Multiple flies within the food facility. [CA] Food facility shall be kept free of non-disease carrying insects, weevils, ants, gnats, and fruit flies. Recommend obtaining approved fly traps and contact pest control. REPEAT VIOLATION. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action

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, Apr 7, 2025 · Original Source

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