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Santa Clara County, CA

Zeni Ethiopean Restaurant

1320 Saratoga Av

Last inspected Aug 13, 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

3 inspections

Routine Inspection

Aug 13, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Kitchen hand washing sink drain pipe was leaking and there was a catch bucket under it. [CA] Fix/repair the plumbing problem.

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 K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Food was measured 43F at the food prep table. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Keep the lid closed when not working to preserve temperature.

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 K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

Lack monitoring thermometer. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each hot and cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods.

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

Hand washing sink was blocked with push table. [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 K29Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer spry bottle lack common name. [CA] Chemicals once removed from original container shall be labeled with common name. [COS] PIC labeled the bottle.

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 K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Under the counter refrigeration in the bar area was measured 43F. [CA] Cold holding unit shall measure 41F and below.

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, Aug 13, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Oct 28, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

Build up grease debris behind the cook line. [CA] Clean hard to reach areas more frequently to prevent cross contamination.

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

Large containers of yellow and red lentil lack label. [CA] Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages shall be identified with the common name of the food if not easily recognizable. Eggs were stored on top shelve. [CA] Always store eggs on bottom shelve to prevent cross 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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 28, 2025 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Mar 28, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

minorCode K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Cardboard in use under hot container during cooling process. [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

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

More about other finding
minorCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Beef cubes in the food prep table was between 43F(bottom) - 44F(on top). [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Rapid cool food after preparation and then place it inside the cold holding refrigeration.

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 K29Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer spry bottle with out label. [CA] Chemicals once removed from original container shall be labeled with common name. [SA] Use a marker and write sanitizer on the bottle.

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

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 28, 2025 · Original Source

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