At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
71/ 100 · 29 points taken off
12 problems found · Routine county inspection · Aug 10, 2026
Is that a lot?
Most food places here got 2 to 15 points taken off. Cafeteria El Girasol got more than most.
Compared with 9,600 Santa Clara County food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.
What was found out about Cafeteria El Girasol?
It's fair to care about this. Here's what the county found. Tap any item to see how a kitchen fixes it.
- Equipment in poor repair K35How to fixFix it
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right K14How to fixFix it
- Shellfish tags or fish freezing records missing K16How to fixFix it
Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
We review Santa Clara County health data to make this report. We are not the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health.
Visit them directly at deh.santaclaracounty.gov (opens the department's site) · How we review
For Cafeteria El Girasol's team
Is this your place?
Welcome, Cafeteria El Girasol. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Cafeteria El Girasol first; we check that you run it.
Your whole team can help. Each person gets one next step, and everyone can see what's done.
This is my place: claim Cafeteria El GirasolWe'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.
Fix it together
Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.
Next: Equipment in poor repairThe county found: “FOUND A GROCERY PLASTIC BAG BEING USED TO STORE THE COOKED MEXICAN RICE IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE…”
Then the next one: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
Log it
Your team logs the fix on their phones, with the time and who did it.
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 the rule it names: Food Code 4-603.16, Food Code 7-201.11, Food Code 3-305.11, Food Code 6-501.111.
Try it yourself
Fix and log it: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.
0 of 3 done
Clean first, then sanitize
From Food Code 4-603.16
Logged
That's one done. We'll be here for the next.
What people see now
Today, people see the department's words and nothing from you.
What people see after you fix and log it
Example reply
CleanCleaverBusiness reply
Your business replied to this with the public statement:
We fixed this the same day. Now our team logs it on their phones at open and close.
The date of your reply
This is not an official update to the health inspection report. The county's record is unchanged.
Most kitchens get something cited at some point. What people remember is that you fixed it.
Want to join the restaurants in Santa Clara County that keep their kitchens clean and put their guests' health first?
Claim Cafeteria El GirasolWe'll set it up with you. 25 days free.
Replies are part of a paid plan. We read each one before it goes up. You can take it down any time. Only the department can change its record.
Do you work there, and someone else owns it? I work there
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 County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health · 3 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county visited once in the last 12 months (1 routine).
Every visit
LatestAug 10, 2026Routine inspection71 out of 100 (Green placard)
This one: 71 out of 100 (Green placard), inspected Aug 10, 2026.
12 violations listed, 0 marked critical.
Not critical (12)
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
FOUND A GROCERY PLASTIC BAG BEING USED TO STORE THE COOKED MEXICAN RICE IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC BAGS TO STORE THE COOKED RICE.
Food Code 4-101.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Equipment in good repair
In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
FOUND THE CHLORINE SANITIZER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 50 PPM. [CA] PROVIDE 100 PPM. COS
Food Code 4-602.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Clean first, then sanitize
- 1. Scrape off food.
- 2. Wash with detergent and warm water.
- 3. Rinse off the soap (soap weakens sanitizer).
From Food Code 4-603.16
When to clean food-contact surfaces
4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Cleaning vs sanitizing, and sanitizer strengths
The full guide has 4 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Shellfish tags or fish freezing records missing
The department's words
K16 Compliance with shell stock tags, condition, display
THE TAGS ARE PLACED IN A PLASTIC BAG WITHOUT ORGANIZING. [CA] USE A RECORD KEEPING SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS FOR EASY ACCESS OF THE TAGS BY DATES.
Shelves and surfaces need cleaning
The department's words
K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean
FOUND MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INSIDE WHITE PLASTIC FLAP OF THE ICE MACHINE. [CA] CLEAN THIS PART MORE OFTEN.
Food Code 4-602.13
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
Shelves, handles and outsides of equipment clean
In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food
The department's words
K29 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
FOUND A SPRAY BOTTLE WITH WINDEX WITHOUT LABEL AND STORED ON THE SHELF NEXT TO FOOD ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. [CA] LABEL SPRAY BOTTLES AND KEEP THE CLEANING SUPPLY SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM FOOD OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS.
Food Code 7-201.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Store them away from food
- Store chemicals below and away from food, dishes, utensils, linens and single-use items. Never on a shelf above food.
- Separate them by space or a partition.
- Keep only the chemicals the kitchen needs.
From Food Code 7-201.11
Label every container
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Show 7 more
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
MISSING THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS FOR THE FOOD EMPLOYEES. [CA] PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS FOR THE FOOD EMPLOYEES.
Sewage or wastewater not disposed of right
The department's words
K22 Sewage and wastewater properly disposed
FOUND WASTE WATER IN THE MOP BUCKET. [CA] DISCARD THE WASTE WATER IN THE SANITARY SEWER.
Food on the floor or under drips
The department's words
K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified
FOUND A TAPATIO BOTTLE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND FOUND A BOX WITH LEMONS ON THE FLOOR AT THE BAR AREA. [CA] STORE FOOD 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
Food Code 3-305.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Where food may never be stored
- Keep food at least 6 inches off the floor.
- Never in restrooms, locker or dressing rooms, garbage rooms, or mechanical rooms (furnace, water heater, electrical).
- Never under stairs, or under sewer lines, leaking water lines or fire sprinkler lines.
From Food Code 3-305.11
Top to bottom
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Fridge and freezer storage order
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Permits available
The department's words
K49 Permits available
FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A VALID PERMIT TO OPERATE. [CA] A FOOD FACILITY SHALL NOT BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITHOUT A VALID HEALTH PERMIT. PLEASE REMIT ANNUAL PERMIT FEE TO THIS OFFICE WITHIN 48 HRS.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
FOUND A PURSE AND A JACKET HANGING FROM THE DRY STORAGE FOOD SHELF. [CA] STORE PERSONAL ITEMS SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM FOOD OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS. FOUND THE MOPS INSIDE THE MOP SINK. [CA] HANG THE MOPS TO AIR DRY
Food Code 6-101.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Floors, walls and ceilings clean and in repair
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
FOUND THE WALL IN THE KITCHEN IN DISREPAIR.[CA] REPAIR THE WALL.
Food Code 6-101.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Floors, walls and ceilings clean and in repair
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Are you Cafeteria El Girasol? Fix it
No menu note about raw or undercooked food
The department's words
K19 Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods
MISSING THE CONSUMER WARNING FOR THE SHELLFISH AND CEVICHE. [CA] PROVIDE CONSUMER WARNING.
EarlierOct 7, 2025Routine inspection74 out of 100 (Green placard)
8 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K13 Food in good condition, safe, unadulterated
Black particles observed in the multiple ice cubes from the ice machine. [CA] No employee shall commit any act that may cause the contamination or adulteration of food, food-contact surfaces, or utensils. [SA] Discontinue selling ice, discard ice and wash, rinse and sanitize ice machine. Ensure ice is whole and pure. Staff were getting ready to clean ice machine.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (7)
The department's words
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Raw chicken and raw beef are measured at 46F and 47F; per cook, they were recently working with food. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Food debris observed on floor in the dry food storage room. [CA] Walls and/or floors in food preparation area shall be kept clean.
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
Interior of ice machine has black organic growth. [CA] Wash, rinse and sanitize ice machine; discard all ice prior to cleaning process.
No menu note about raw or undercooked food
The department's words
K19 Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods
Menu has consumer advisory but does not indicate which foods are raw/not cooked thoroughly. [CA] Add an asterisk that denotes a footnote that includes either of the following disclosure statements: (1) Written information regarding the safety of these FOOD items is available upon request. (2) Consuming raw or undercooked meats, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
1. Bar 3 comp sink is not working; per owner, the plumbing is scheduled for repair. [Ca] Repair the plumbing/3 comp sink. 2. Aluminum lining observed on shelves. [CA] Discontinue the use of aluminum to line shelves/flooring, use approved equipment made of materials that is easily cleanable, durable, smooth, and nonabsorbent.
Show 2 more
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Food handler cards are not available. [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.
Dish sink or dish machine not set up right
The department's words
K34 Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
Chlorine test paper is not available. Staff using quat test paper. [CA] Provide chlorine test paper to measure sanitizer strength when ware washing (100 ppm for 30 seconds).
EarlierJan 30, 2025Routine inspection70 out of 100 (Green placard)
10 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
FOUND THE CHEESE ON THE COUNTER NEAR THE COOKING RANGE AT 59F. [CA] KEEP COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT 41F OR BELOW. NOTE: THE CHEESE WAS PLACED BACK IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (9)
No menu note about raw or undercooked food
The department's words
K19 Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods
MISSING THE CONSUMER WARNING FOR RAW FOODS (CEVICHE). [CA] PROVIDE THE CONSUMER WARNING IN THE MENU REFERENCING THE RAW FOOD OR A CONSUMER WARNING IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS.
Shellfish tags or fish freezing records missing
The department's words
K16 Compliance with shell stock tags, condition, display
FOUND THE OYSTER TAGS FOR THE 1 MONTH ONLY. [CA] PROVIDE TAGS FOR 3 MONTHS MINIMUM.
The department's words
K32 Food properly labeled and honestly presented
FOUND THE INSIDE WHITE PLASTIC FLAP IN THE ICE MACHINE WITH MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. [CA] CLEAN THIS PART MORE OFTEN.
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
FOUND THE SECOND REFRIGERATOR IN THE BAR WITH LIQUID ON THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR. [CA] REMOVE THE WATER. FOUND PLASTIC GROCERY NON FOOD GRADE BAGS BEING USED AS A LINER IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT FOR THE RICE. [CA] DO NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS FOR DIRECT FOOD CONTACT OF COOKED FOOD.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
FOUND A PURSE ON THE SHELF IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. [CA] STORE PERSONAL ITEMS SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM FOOD OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS.
Show 4 more
The department's words
K26 Approved thawing methods used; frozen food
FOUND THAWING BEEF IN A CONTAINER ON THE TABLE. [CA] FROZEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD SHALL ONLY BE THAWED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS: 1) UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41°F OR BELOW, 2) COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER POTABLE RUNNING WATER FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED TWO HOURS AT A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 70°F OR BELOW, AND WITH SUFFICIENT WATER VELOCITY TO AGITATE AND FLUSH OFF LOOSE PARTICLES INTO THE SINK DRAIN, 3) IN A MICROWAVE OVEN, IF IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE PREPARATION, 4) AS A PART OF A COOKING PROCESS.
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
FOUND A BOWL BEING USED AS A SCOOP FOR THE DRIED BEANS. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE WASHABLE SCOOPS WITH A HANDLE AND KEEP THE HANDLE OUTSIDE THE FOOD.
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
MISSING THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS. [CA] PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS.
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
FOUND THE BAR HAND WASH SINK IN DISREPAIR. [CA] REPAIR THE SINK.
Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health. 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 Cafeteria El Girasol, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- Equipment in poor repair In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right Read the free guide
- Shelves and surfaces need cleaning In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
- Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food Read the free guide
- Food on the floor or under drips Read the free guide
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Call Cafeteria El Girasol
Ask for the manager. Cafeteria El Girasol can only fix what it knows about.
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Use CleanCleaver at home
Families clean together. Chores and food dates for everyone at home.
Complain directly to the health department
We are not the health department. You can report to them on their site. Report to County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (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 Cafeteria El Girasol?
See the plan to fix each item and show what you did.
Address thisAbout this record
Opens the county's own page for this place.
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.
100 means the inspector found no problems. Santa Clara County takes points off for each problem. Big ones take off more.
The county posts a green, yellow or red placard after each inspection, and gives routine inspections a score. In the county's data, a routine inspection with no violations listed scored 100, and the score drops as violations are found. The county's page does not say which scores or findings give each color: ask the department.
- Inspection type
- Routine inspection
- Result
- 71 out of 100 (Green placard)
- Source
- County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
This is not an official ranking or grade. See the official source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (opens the department's site) .
Information on this page may be out of date. Check the original source to confirm.