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Trader Joe's #198

Other food place · Novato, CA

20 inspections

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At a glance

CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results

What happened?

No problems found · Routine county inspection · Jun 8, 2026

Is that a lot?

We can't say yet. Too few places here have a number.

We review Marin County health data to make this report. We are not the Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services.

Which one are you?

For Trader Joe's #198's team

Is this your place?

Welcome, Trader Joe's #198. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Trader Joe's #198 first; we check that you run it.

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This is my place: claim Trader Joe's #198

We'll help you get every item done. You don't have to do it alone.

We know an inspection can feel heavy, especially when it's busy.

  1. Fix it together

    Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.

  2. Log it

    Your team logs the fix on their phones, with the time and who did it.

  3. Show what you did

    Saying what you fixed, in your own words, builds trust. Families and regulars respect a kitchen that owns it and fixes it.

Each fix step comes from our free guides, built on the FDA Food Code your state uses.

Want to join the restaurants in Marin County that keep their kitchens clean and put their guests' health first?

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What people see next

Under each item here, people see what you fixed, in your words.

Left alone, or fixed together

Left alone, the same items can come back at the next inspection. Fixed together, they're done.

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Inspections

From Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services · 20 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026

The county visited 4 times in the last 12 months (4 routine).

In the county's data, most inspections are labeled semi-yearly, then yearly; a follow-up visit comes after violations.

Every visit

  1. LatestJun 8, 2026Routine inspectionGreen placard

    This one: Green placard, inspected Jun 8, 2026.

    No violations listed in the data.

  2. EarlierMar 17, 2026Routine inspectionNo Violation(s) Found

    No violations listed in the data.

  3. EarlierFeb 25, 2026Routine inspectionNo Violation(s) Found

    No violations listed in the data.

  4. EarlierDec 11, 2025Routine inspectionGreen placard

    No violations listed in the data.

  5. EarlierNov 21, 2024Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • No sanitizer available from dispenser at 3-comp sink. / Provide 200ppm quat ammonium.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114099.6 No sanitizer available from dispenser at 3-comp sink. / Provide 200ppm quat ammonium.

  6. EarlierNov 7, 2023Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Observed garbage bins in the back enclosure kept open with bags of garbage piling up. Garbage bins must be kept close. Close bins and add additional garbage pickup times if necessary.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114245.1 Observed garbage bins in the back enclosure kept open with bags of garbage piling up. Garbage bins must be kept close. Close bins and add additional garbage pickup times if necessary.

  7. EarlierMay 9, 2022Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Observed cut melons at 44F. Maintain all cold potentially hazardous foods at or below 41F. Foods moved deeper into case to achieve 41F.

      The department's words

      CHSC 113996 Observed cut melons at 44F. Maintain all cold potentially hazardous foods at or below 41F. Foods moved deeper into case to achieve 41F.

  8. EarlierJun 29, 2021Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Code CHSC 113996

      The department's words

      Code CHSC 113996

  9. EarlierMar 9, 2021Routine inspectionGreen placard

    No violations listed in the data.

  10. EarlierAug 21, 2020Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Code CHSC 113996

      The department's words

      Code CHSC 113996

  11. EarlierJan 6, 2020Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Code CHSC 113953.2

      The department's words

      Code CHSC 113953.2

  12. EarlierFeb 25, 2019Follow-up inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Today 2 dead mice were observed in a trap inside the walk-in cooler (in an area not seen at the last inspection), in addition to droppings in the walk-in cooler and on shelves of bread, nuts, and seeds on display. Observed holes in walls (in the walk-in cooler and behind bread display), a void behind the walk-in cooler beside the roll up door, and a gap under the emergency exit door. Observed gnaw marks at base cove in walk-in. Immediately remove droppings from display shelving - follow procedures in the pamphlet - and clean and sanitize all food packages in areas where droppings are observed. Clean and sanitize the floor of the walk-in cooler after moving all boxes and shelving off the floor. I highly recommend self-closure until everything is cleaned and exclusion work is done. I also recommend obtaining the services of a licensed pest control operator to identify and seal all possible entry/harborage points. A re-inspection will be conducted on Monday - if any signs of rodents are observed at this inspection or if points of entry are found, your permit will be suspended. You will be charged cost recovery fees for any re-inspections and/or any time spent on the case. Follow up inspection was conducted on 2.25.2019. No signs of rodents observed today. Continue to seal gaps/hole to prevent entry of vermin. All major potential entry points have been sealed. All areas where droppings were observed have been cleaned and sanitized. Another reinspection will be in 2 weeks to ensure rodents remain excluded.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114259.1 Today 2 dead mice were observed in a trap inside the walk-in cooler (in an area not seen at the last inspection), in addition to droppings in the walk-in cooler and on shelves of bread, nuts, and seeds on display. Observed holes in walls (in the walk-in cooler and behind bread display), a void behind the walk-in cooler beside the roll up door, and a gap under the emergency exit door. Observed gnaw marks at base cove in walk-in. Immediately remove droppings from display shelving - follow procedures in the pamphlet - and clean and sanitize all food packages in areas where droppings are observed. Clean and sanitize the floor of the walk-in cooler after moving all boxes and shelving off the floor. I highly recommend self-closure until everything is cleaned and exclusion work is done. I also recommend obtaining the services of a licensed pest control operator to identify and seal all possible entry/harborage points. A re-inspection will be conducted on Monday - if any signs of rodents are observed at this inspection or if points of entry are found, your permit will be suspended. You will be charged cost recovery fees for any re-inspections and/or any time spent on the case. Follow up inspection was conducted on 2.25.2019. No signs of rodents observed today. Continue to seal gaps/hole to prevent entry of vermin. All major potential entry points have been sealed. All areas where droppings were observed have been cleaned and sanitized. Another reinspection will be in 2 weeks to ensure rodents remain excluded.

      Corrected during the inspection

  13. EarlierFeb 22, 2019Follow-up inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 1 marked critical.

    Critical (1)

    • Marked critical by Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services

      Today 2 dead mice were observed in a trap inside the walk-in cooler (in an area not seen at the last inspection), in addition to droppings in the walk-in cooler and on shelves of bread, nuts, and seeds on display. Observed holes in walls (in the walk-in cooler and behind bread display), a void behind the walk-in cooler beside the roll up door, and a gap under the emergency exit door. Observed gnaw marks at base cove in walk-in. Immediately remove droppings from display shelving - follow procedures in the pamphlet - and clean and sanitize all food packages in areas where droppings are observed. Clean and sanitize the floor of the walk-in cooler after moving all boxes and shelving off the floor. I highly recommend self-closure until everything is cleaned and exclusion work is done. I also recommend obtaining the services of a licensed pest control operator to identify and seal all possible entry/harborage points. A re-inspection will be conducted on Monday - if any signs of rodents are observed at this inspection or if points of entry are found, your permit will be suspended. You will be charged cost recovery fees for any re-inspections and/or any time spent on the case.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114259.1 Today 2 dead mice were observed in a trap inside the walk-in cooler (in an area not seen at the last inspection), in addition to droppings in the walk-in cooler and on shelves of bread, nuts, and seeds on display. Observed holes in walls (in the walk-in cooler and behind bread display), a void behind the walk-in cooler beside the roll up door, and a gap under the emergency exit door. Observed gnaw marks at base cove in walk-in. Immediately remove droppings from display shelving - follow procedures in the pamphlet - and clean and sanitize all food packages in areas where droppings are observed. Clean and sanitize the floor of the walk-in cooler after moving all boxes and shelving off the floor. I highly recommend self-closure until everything is cleaned and exclusion work is done. I also recommend obtaining the services of a licensed pest control operator to identify and seal all possible entry/harborage points. A re-inspection will be conducted on Monday - if any signs of rodents are observed at this inspection or if points of entry are found, your permit will be suspended. You will be charged cost recovery fees for any re-inspections and/or any time spent on the case.

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

  14. EarlierFeb 20, 2019Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 1 marked critical.

    Critical (1)

    • Marked critical by Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services

      Observed 7 dead mice in a trap in the walk-in cooler - some of the mice appear to be juveniles. Observed rodent droppings in the walk-in cooler, on a shelf displaying nuts and sunflower seeds, and in the back storage area. Exclude rodent droppings from the facility today by sealing gaps/holes in walls and under doors, clean and sanitize all areas where rodents/droppings were observed and monitor for new activity. You may not operate during an active rodent infestation. Discard any food that has not been adulterated (chewed holes in packages).

      The department's words

      CHSC 114259.1 Observed 7 dead mice in a trap in the walk-in cooler - some of the mice appear to be juveniles. Observed rodent droppings in the walk-in cooler, on a shelf displaying nuts and sunflower seeds, and in the back storage area. Exclude rodent droppings from the facility today by sealing gaps/holes in walls and under doors, clean and sanitize all areas where rodents/droppings were observed and monitor for new activity. You may not operate during an active rodent infestation. Discard any food that has not been adulterated (chewed holes in packages).

      Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.

  15. EarlierJun 13, 2018Routine inspectionGreen placard

    1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (1)

    • Dust/mold noted at walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitary.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114115.c Dust/mold noted at walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitary.

  16. EarlierNov 28, 2017Routine inspectionGreen placard

    4 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (4)

    • Provide proof of Managers Food Safety Certification ASAP

      The department's words

      CHSC 113947.1 Provide proof of Managers Food Safety Certification ASAP

    • Provide 200-300 ppm QA in third compartment of three compartment sink

      The department's words

      CHSC 114099.6 Provide 200-300 ppm QA in third compartment of three compartment sink

    • Dust/mold found on fan guards in walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitatry.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114115.c Dust/mold found on fan guards in walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitatry.

    • Replace/adjust thermometer near yogurt in cold display case.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114157 Replace/adjust thermometer near yogurt in cold display case.

  17. EarlierApr 25, 2017Routine inspectionGreen placard

    4 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (4)

    • Milk crates observed used for shelving in the walk in box. Discontinue use. Use dunnage racks if needed.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114130.1 Milk crates observed used for shelving in the walk in box. Discontinue use. Use dunnage racks if needed.

    • Replace Fawcett arm at 3 compartment sink so it fits. It is too long and extends over the middle sink.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114175 Replace Fawcett arm at 3 compartment sink so it fits. It is too long and extends over the middle sink.

    • Keep all food 6 above the ground - adjust the lower racks on shelving as needed.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114047 Keep all food 6 above the ground - adjust the lower racks on shelving as needed.

    • Mops must be hung upside down in holders above the mop sink. Telescoping mop handles are available.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114282 Mops must be hung upside down in holders above the mop sink. Telescoping mop handles are available.

  18. EarlierDec 12, 2016Routine inspectionGreen placard

    3 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (3)

    • No proof of valid Managers Food Safety Certification available. Please fax certification to [name].

      The department's words

      CHSC 113947.1 No proof of valid Managers Food Safety Certification available. Please fax certification to [name].

    • Boxes of food observed on ground in walk in box/freezer. Store all food 6 above the ground or on racks or pallets.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114047 Boxes of food observed on ground in walk in box/freezer. Store all food 6 above the ground or on racks or pallets.

    • Discontinue use of milk crates for storage in walk in box. Use commercial dunnage racks as needed.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114130.1 Discontinue use of milk crates for storage in walk in box. Use commercial dunnage racks as needed.

  19. EarlierMay 17, 2016Routine inspectionGreen placard

    3 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (3)

    • Dust/mold noted on fan guards in walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitary

      The department's words

      CHSC 114115.c Dust/mold noted on fan guards in walk in box. Clean and maintain sanitary

    • Lids found up on garbage cans. Keep lids down

      The department's words

      CHSC 114245.1 Lids found up on garbage cans. Keep lids down

    • Placard missing.

      The department's words

      CHSC 113725.1 Placard missing.

  20. EarlierJul 30, 2015Routine inspectionGreen placard

    2 violations listed, 0 marked critical.

    Not critical (2)

    • Clean fans and floors in walk-in refrigerator. Debris observed.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114115.c Clean fans and floors in walk-in refrigerator. Debris observed.

    • Clean loose garbage inside garbage pen outside.

      The department's words

      CHSC 114245.5 Clean loose garbage inside garbage pen outside.

Source: Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services. This is the department's data, not CleanCleaver's. See the department's full record (opens the department's site)

What you can do

As a customer of Trader Joe's #198, you can:

  1. Let Trader Joe's #198 know

    Ask for the manager. Trader Joe's #198 can only fix what it knows about.

    The department lists no phone for this place.

  2. Share this page

  3. Use CleanCleaver at home

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  4. Complain directly to the health department

    We are not the health department. You can report to them on their site. Report to Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services (opens the department's site)

When regulars speak up kindly and kitchens fix things, the whole neighborhood eats well. Now you know what the inspector found, and what you can do about it.

Do you work at or run Trader Joe's #198?

See the plan to fix each item and show what you did.

Address this

About this record

Search the county's inspection lookup for the name or license number L11081.

Most people don't know what a normal result looks like for a place that's open every day. The ranges use each place's last routine inspection in this area. No other county is mixed in.

Marin County gives each inspection a result, not a score, so there is no typical range to show.

Marin County posts a green, yellow or red placard after an inspection, and gives no score. In the county's own inspection data, inspectors write "Green (Pass) placard posted" and "a yellow placard is posted due to the multiple major violations observed". We could not read a county page that lists what each color needs, so ask the department.

Inspection type
Routine inspection
Result
Green placard
Source
Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services

This is not an official ranking or grade. See the official source: Marin County Community Development Agency, Environmental Health Services (opens the department's site) .

Information on this page may be out of date. Check the original source to confirm.

Questions about Trader Joe's #198

When was Trader Joe's #198 last inspected?

The county last inspected Trader Joe's #198 on Jun 8, 2026. It was a routine inspection.

What did the county find at Trader Joe's #198?

The county listed no violations on Jun 8, 2026.

How often does Marin County inspect restaurants?

In the county's data, most inspections are labeled semi-yearly, then yearly; a follow-up visit comes after violations.

What does a critical item mean?

Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. On Jun 8, 2026, the county marked none as critical.