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Santa Clara County, CA

The Tamale Factory

233 S White Rd # C

Last inspected Jul 14, 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

5 inspections

Routine Inspection

Jul 14, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Multiple soiled utensils were stored on a shelf located behind the facility. [CA] Store all utensils off the floor on approved storage shelf, cart, or containers inside the enclosed facility.

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 K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

The preparation sink is directly connected to the sewer line. [CA] To prevent possible contamination, please modify the drain system immediately. Plan on how to modify the plumbing system must be submitted to our office's plan check unit via email dehplancheck@deh.sccgov.org within two weeks. The district staff must be copied on the email correspondence.

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 K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Some food products on boxes were stored directly on the floor or on milk crate below the preparation sink. [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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

There is no approved sanitizer measuring strip to measure the concentration of the chemicals used to sanitize dishes and utensils in the facility. [CA] Provide approved sanitizer measuring strips for the chemicals used in sanitizing utensils. equipment, and food contact surfaces.

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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

The maximum water temperature on the manual three compartment wash sink was measured at 116 oF. [CA] Adjust the water heater temperature on the heater to raise the water temperature on the manual three compartments sink to 120 oF. If the temperature can not be adjusted on the water heater, the water heater must ber replaced. Please note that plan and specification of the water heater need to be submitted to the Health Department for approval. Please contact our office at dehplancheck@deh.sccgov.org

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 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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 14, 2026 · Original Source

Risk Factor Inspection

Jul 2, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Multiple soiled utensils were stored on a shelf located behind the facility. [CA] Store all utensils off the floor on approved storage shelf, cart, or containers inside the enclosed facility.

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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

There is no approved sanitizer measuring strip to measure the concentration of the chemicals used to sanitize dishes and utensils in the facility. [CA] Provide approved sanitizer measuring strips for the chemicals used in sanitizing utensils. equipment, and food contact surfaces.

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 back in the storage area and inside the walk-in cooler. [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 K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Some open bag food products were stored on the shelf in the dry storage area. [CA] Store all open bag food products in properly labeled bulk containers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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
minorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

The maximum water temperature on the manual three compartment wash sink was measured at 115 oF. [CA] Adjust the water heater temperature on the heater to raise the water temperature on the manual three compartments sink to 120 oF. If the temperature can not be adjusted on the water heater, the water heater must ber replaced. Please note that plan and specification of the water heater need to be submitted to the Health Department for approval. Please contact our office at dehplancheck@deh.sccgov.org

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 2, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Apr 9, 2026

Pass

8 recorded violations

minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Employee belongings including clothes and backpacks were stored on the utensil and food storage shelves. [CA] Employee belongings must be stored in designated 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 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
minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

Drain from the preparation sink is directly connected to the sewer line. [CA] Drain from the preparation sink must disposed through a gravity system into a floor sink. Therefore, the drain system of the preparation sink must be adjusted to address this issue. Until the drain is going to be re-piped tombing address the issue, food preparation in the sink may only be conducted using strainer or colanders. Remodeling the plumbing system may require plan submission to our office and to the city of San Jose Building Department.

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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: There is no approved sanitizer measuring strip to measure the concentration of the chemicals used to sanitize dishes and utensils in the facility. [CA] Provide approved sanitizer measuring strips for the chemicals used in sanitizing utensils. equipment, and food contact surfaces.

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 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 walk-in cooler. [CA] To prevent possible contamination, ready-to-eat food products and produce must be stored above or by the said of raw food products. Some open bag food products were stored on the shelf in the dry storage area. [CA] Store all open bag food products in properly labeled bulk containers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

Cooling of freshly cooked chile verde was done at room temperature in large containers. [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
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 and inside the walk-in cooler. [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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

The maximum water temperature on the manual three compartment wash sink was measured at 115 oF. [CA] Adjust the water heater temperature on the heater to raise the water temperature on the manual three compartments sink to 120 oF. If the temperature can not be adjusted on the water heater, the water heater must ber replaced. Please note that plan and specification of the water heater need to be submitted to the Health Department for approval. Please contact our office at dehplancheck@deh.sccgov.org

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Apr 9, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Oct 1, 2025

Pass

9 recorded violations

minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

Drain from the preparation sink is directly connected to the sewer line. [CA] Drain from the preparation sink must disposed through a gravity system into a floor sink. Therefore, the drain system of the preparation sink must be adjusted to address this issue. Until the drain is going to be re-piped tombing address the issue, food preparation in the sink may only be conducted using strainer or colanders. Remodeling the plumbing system may require plan submission to our office and to the city of San Jose Building Department.

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 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
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Multiple soiled utensils were stored on a shelf located behind the facility. [CA] Store all utensils off the floor on approved storage shelf, cart, or containers inside the enclosed facility.

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 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 walk-in cooler. [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 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 and inside the walk-in cooler. [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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: There is no approved sanitizer measuring strip to measure the concentration of the chemicals used to sanitize dishes and utensils in the facility. [CA] Provide approved sanitizer measuring strips for the chemicals used in sanitizing utensils. equipment, and food contact surfaces.

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

The back door was left open. [CA] To prevent insect/rodent infections, keep the backdoor always closed or install a screen door.

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 K40Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

Inspector’s notes

There was very low sanitizer concentration on one of the sanitizer buckets. [CA] Maintain the sanitizer concentration on the sanitizer buckets at 200 ppm quaternary ammonia. 100 ppm chlorine (bleach), 272 ppm -700 ppm lactic acid levels.

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 K21Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Hot and cold water available

Inspector’s notes

The maximum water temperature on the manual three compartment wash sink was measured at 115 oF. [CA] Adjust the water heater temperature to raise the water temperature on the manual three compartments sink to 120 oF.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 1, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Mar 4, 2025

Pass

8 recorded violations

minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Multiple soiled utensils were stored on a shelf located behind the facility. [CA] Store all utensils off the floor on approved storage shelf, cart, or containers inside the enclosed facility.

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 K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Some open bag food products were stored on the shelf in the dry storage area. [CA] Store all open bag food products in properly labeled bulk containers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

Drain from the preparation sink is directly connected to the sewer line. [CA] Drain from the preparation sink must disposed through a gravity system into a floor sink. Therefore, the drain system of the preparation sink must be adjusted to address this issue. Until the drain is going to be re-piped tombing address the issue, food preparation in the sink may only be conducted using strainer or colanders. Remodeling the plumbing system may require plan submission to our office and to the city of San Jose Building Department.

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

Couple of open cup employee drinks were stored on the preparation tables. [CA] To prevent possible contamination, employees may only drink with covered cup container and store their drink in designated areas. There is no wet mop hanger by the janitorial sinks. [CA] Install a wet mop hanger by the janitorial sink. All wet mops must be hanged on the wet mop hanger. .

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 K49Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

48 Hours Notice: Our records indicate this property has a delinquent account for the swimming pool and it is operating without a valid Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health permit. The property has an outstanding account balance in the amount of 1,975.00. Payment must be made within 48 hours (2 business days) to the Santa Clara County DEH online at our website which is https://paydirect.link2gov.com/SantaClaraCountyDEH/ItemSearch using an account ID number AR1254442. You may also drop a business check or a crasher's check at our office address written on the top right corner. A re-inspection will not be conducted if your account is paid in full by 3/5/2025. The facility shall remain open, and a new valid permit will be mailed after payment has been received. If your account has not been paid in full by the Comply By date, a re-inspection will be performed, and the facility owner may be billed at the current hourly rate per County Ordinance Code B11-8. Non-payment of permit fees within 48 hours will result in additional legal actions up to and including the pool closure.

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 K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

Repeated violation: There is no approved sanitizer measuring strip to measure the concentration of the chemicals used to sanitize dishes and utensils in the facility. [CA] Provide approved sanitizer measuring strips for the chemicals used in sanitizing utensils. equipment, and food contact surfaces.

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 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
minorCode K43Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

The restrooms’ door does not have self-clothing devise installed. [CA] Install self-clothing devises on both restrooms.

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, Mar 4, 2025 · Original Source

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