At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
91/ 100 · 9 points taken off
4 problems found · Routine county inspection · Mar 13, 2026
Is that a lot?
Most markets and grocery stores here got 2 to 13 points taken off. Cardenas #204 - Grocery got about the same as most.
Compared with 534 Santa Clara County markets and grocery stores. Each store's last routine inspection counts.
What was found out about Cardenas #204 - Grocery?
It's fair to care about this. Here's what the county found. Tap any item to see how a kitchen fixes it.
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair K45How to fixFix it
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right K14How to fixFix it
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair K44How 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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery's team
Is this your place?
Welcome, Cardenas #204 - Grocery. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Cardenas #204 - Grocery 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 Cardenas #204 - GroceryWe'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: Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repairThe county found: “There is excessive trash, dirt, and dust accumulation on the floor area below the shelves of the warehouse. [CA]…”
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 3-305.11, Food Code 2-301.15, Food Code 3-302.11.
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?
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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 · 5 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county visited 3 times in the last 12 months (2 routine, 1 follow-up).
Fewer points taken off than last time (45 → 9). That takes a team.
Every visit
LatestMar 13, 2026Routine inspection91 out of 100 (Green placard)
This one: 91 out of 100 (Green placard), inspected Mar 13, 2026.
4 violations listed, 0 marked critical.
Not critical (4)
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
There is excessive trash, dirt, and dust accumulation on the floor area below the shelves of the warehouse. [CA] Conduct a thorough cleaning on the floor areas immediately. Spider webs and dirt accumulation was observed on the walls above the storage area . [CA] Conduct thorough regular cleaning on the walls. There is a hole in the ceiling in the meat department above one of the handwash stations. [CA] To prevent vermin access, please seal the hole on the ceiling.
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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery? Fix it
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
There was some meat residue accumulation on the pork and beef slicers in the meat department. [CA] Clean the slicers right after use for proper hygiene and prevent vermin infestation.
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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery? Fix it
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
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 hung on the wet mop hanger.
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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery? Fix it
Food on the floor or under drips
The department's words
K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified
Many food products on boxes were stored directly on the floor or on milk crate back in the storage, walk-in cooler, and walk-in freezer areas. [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.
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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery? Fix it
EarlierJan 23, 2026Follow-up inspectionGreen placard
No notes were taken, but there was an interaction, likely addressing some or all of the prior report. No inspector comment was found. See the official report (opens the department's site) for more information.
EarlierJan 21, 2026Routine inspectionGreen placard
1 violation listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
No hot or cold water at a sink
The department's words
K21 Hot and cold water available
No hot water available. [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. [CA] Handwashing facilities equipped with a mixing valve that is not readily adjustable at the faucet, shall provide warm water at least 100°F, but not greater than 108°F.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
EarlierFeb 11, 2025Follow-up inspectionGreen placard
No notes were taken, but there was an interaction, likely addressing some or all of the prior report. No inspector comment was found. See the official report (opens the department's site) for more information.
EarlierFeb 6, 2025Routine inspection55 out of 100 (Yellow placard)
12 violations listed, 3 marked critical.
Critical (3)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Major: Emptied paper towel at hand wash sink at produce area. No other hand wash sink in close proximity. [CA] Single-use sanitary towels shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use towels. Minor: Paper towel dispenser was jammed at meat department. [CA] Repair paper towel dispenser.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
Sewage or wastewater not disposed of right
The department's words
K22 Sewage and wastewater properly disposed
Major leaking under 3 compartment sink in meat department. A bucket was used to catch waste water. Waste bucket was full and 2 employees continue using 3 compartment sink to rinse containers and cause waste water to the floor. Employee walked on sewage water. [CA] Liquid waste shall be disposed of through the approved plumbing system and shall discharge into the public sewerage or into an approved private sewage disposal system. [SA] Caution tape is used around 3 compartment sink to alert employee stop using 3 compartment sink. Warewash will be conducted at deli area at the meantime.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Shelled eggs measured between 47F- 52F outside walk-in fridge. Shelled eggs were observed outside walk-in fridge for approximately an hour. Per PIC, eggs were delivered in pallet and employee needs to deliver eggs case by case into walk-in fridge. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F. [COS] Employee arranged employee to relocate shelled eggs to walk-in fridge.
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)
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
Black debris built up on the interior of ice machine. [CA] Clean and maintain.
Hood filters need cleaning
The department's words
K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Missing light cover for light in walk-in fridge. [CA] Replace light cover.
No hot or cold water at a sink
The department's words
K21 Hot and cold water available
No hot and cold water at 2 compartment prep sink with spray faucet. [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.
Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food
The department's words
K27 Food separated and protected
A bucket of ground pork was placed on top of trash can at the grounding machine. [CA] Food utensil shall not be used on top of a trash can to prevent cross contamination.
No backflow test on file
The department's words
K41 Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
A container of raw chicken in ice at meat department. A bucket was used to catch waste water from the ice container. [CA] Liquid waste shall be discarded at approved floor sink.
Show 4 more
The department's words
K13 Food in good condition, safe, unadulterated
Expired baby formula on shelf. [CA] Remove infant formula offered for sale after the “use by” date. [COS] PIC removed infant formula from sales floor.
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Self service frozen shrimp freezer scoop is stored on the shrimp directly. [CA] Store scoop handle in such a way that the handle does not come in direct contact with food to prevent contamination.
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Broken wooden side on the side of the walk-in fridge for raw chicken. A hole observed when walk-in fridge door is closed. Meat display case unable to close case door. Fridges temperature measured less than 41F. [CA] Repair equipment Deeply cut cutting board at meat department. Black foam is used under frozen shrimp at self service freezer. Observed 1 piece of black foam is deteriorated from the foam. [CA] Surfaces of equipment such as cutting blocks and boards that are scratched and scored so that they can no longer be effectively be cleaned and sanitized shall be resurfaced or replaced. Heavy debris built up on the produce fogger. [CA] Produce fogger shall be cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Uneven floor near walk-in fridge for pork and beef in meat department. Water accumulated in uneven floor. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable.
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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right Read the free guide
- Food on the floor or under drips Read the free guide
Call Cardenas #204 - Grocery
Ask for the manager. Cardenas #204 - Grocery can only fix what it knows about.
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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 Cardenas #204 - Grocery?
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
- 91 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.